Donald Trump, a figure who has been a constant presence in American public life for decades, has certainly generated a lot of buzz. Beyond the headlines and political debates, there’s a good chance there are still some interesting tidbits about him you might not have come across. We’re going to dive into 50 facts that offer a different perspective on his life, career, and personality, moving beyond the usual narratives.
Before he was a businessman or politician, Donald Trump had a formative upbringing that shaped many of his future ventures.
His Grandfather’s Origins
Did you know his grandfather, Friedrich Trump, was actually a German immigrant? He arrived in the U.S. in 1885 from Kallstadt, Germany, at the age of 16. Friedrich initially made his money in the Klondike Gold Rush, running restaurants and boarding houses for miners. It’s a fascinating rags-to-riches story for the family, predating Donald’s own entrepreneurial efforts.
A Military School Alumnus
While he never served in the regular military, Trump did attend the New York Military Academy starting at age 13. His parents sent him there because he was apparently a rather rambunctious child. He credits the school with instilling discipline in him, which he often referenced later in his life and career. He rose to the rank of Captain.
Not the Eldest Son
Donald Trump wasn’t the designated heir to his father’s real estate empire, Fred Trump Sr.’s business. His older brother, Fred Trump Jr., was initially groomed for the role. However, Fred Jr. chose to pursue a career as an airline pilot and later struggled with alcoholism, passing away at a relatively young age. This shifted the focus to Donald, who then threw himself into the family business with vigour.
A Football Fan From an Early Age
Trump was a keen athlete in his youth, particularly enjoying baseball and football. He even harboured ambitions of becoming a professional baseball player at one point, though this dream didn’t fully materialise. His love for sports, however, remained a consistent theme throughout his life.
Business Ventures Beyond Real Estate
While real estate is his most famous domain, Trump has ventured into a surprising array of different businesses, some more successful than others.
The New Jersey Generals
Before his political career, Trump owned a professional football team. From 1983 to 1985, he owned the New Jersey Generals in the United States Football League (USFL). He was a vocal proponent of challenging the NFL’s dominance, pushing for the USFL to move its games to the autumn. This ultimately contributed to the league’s downfall, as it couldn’t compete directly with the NFL.
Trump Steaks
Yes, “Trump Steaks” were a real thing. Launched in 2007, they were promoted as premium cuts of beef, sold exclusively through The Sharper Image and QVC. The venture was relatively short-lived, despite Trump’s claims of their superior quality. It’s often cited as an example of his many diverse, and at times peculiar, brand extensions.
Trump Airlines
In 1989, Trump acquired Eastern Air Shuttle, rebranding it as Trump Shuttle. His intention was to create a luxury air travel experience focusing on business travellers between New York, Boston, and Washington D.C. However, intense competition and high debt led to its collapse in 1992, making it another of his less successful business ventures outside of real estate.
Trump Mortgage
Yet another attempt to diversify, “Trump Mortgage” was launched in 2006, right before the housing market began its spectacular collapse. It aimed to capitalize on the booming real estate market, but like many during that period, it struggled and ultimately folded. This demonstrated that even a real estate titan isn’t immune to market forces.
A University With No Degrees
“Trump University” was an enterprise that offered seminars and workshops on real estate, entrepreneurship, and wealth management. It was not an accredited university and did not offer degrees. It faced several lawsuits, with former students alleging that they were defrauded. Trump later settled these lawsuits for $25 million in 2016.
The Board Game that flopped
In the late 1980s, Trump licensed a board game called “Trump: The Game.” It was presented as a real estate-themed game, similar to Monopoly, but with a Trump twist. Despite initial hype, it failed to gain significant traction and was largely considered a commercial flop, demonstrating that not everything he touched turned to gold.
Media Appearances and Pop Culture Moments
Before his political chapter, Trump was a familiar face in media, often playing a version of himself – the successful, flamboyant businessman.
The Apprentice Host
Many people first became intimately familiar with Donald Trump through his role as the host of the reality TV show, “The Apprentice.” From 2004 to 2015, he famously uttered the catchphrase “You’re fired!” to contestants, becoming a pop culture phenomenon and boosting his public profile significantly.
A WWE Hall of Famer
In a rather unexpected twist, Donald Trump is a member of the WWE Hall of Fame. He was inducted in 2013 for his various appearances with World Wrestling Entertainment, including hosting “WrestleMania IV and V” at Trump Plaza and famously participating in the “Battle of the Billionaires” at WrestleMania 23, where he shaved Vince McMahon’s head.
Cameos in Films
Trump has had several cameo appearances in films over the years. These include brief roles in “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” (where he owned the Plaza Hotel at the time), “Zoolander,” “Sweet Home Alabama,” and “Sex and the City.” He often played himself, adding a touch of celebrity to these productions.
His Own Magazine
For a period, Trump even had his own luxury lifestyle magazine called “Trump Style.” It featured articles on fashion, travel, and real estate, naturally with a heavy focus on his own properties and businesses. It was another extension of his brand, aimed at a high-end audience.
Record Label Idea
At one point, there were reports that Trump was considering launching his own record label. While this venture ultimately didn’t materialise in a significant way, it highlights his willingness to explore diverse entertainment avenues and leverage his name across different industries.
Publishing Many Books
Trump is a prolific author, or at least has many books published under his name. “Trump: The Art of the Deal,” co-written with Tony Schwartz, is arguably the most famous and influential. However, he has also “authored” or co-authored several other books on business, success, and politics, often sharing his personal philosophies.
Unconventional Habits and Personal Quirks
Beyond his professional life, Trump has a number of personal habits and preferences that have often drawn public attention.
Germaphobia
It’s well-documented that Donald Trump has a noticeable germaphobia. He’s often spoken about his dislike of shaking hands, particularly with too many strangers, preferring to greet people with a fist bump or a nod when possible. This often manifests in his cautious approach to public health advisories.
Diet Soda Preference
He’s known for his love of diet soda, particularly Diet Coke. Reports during his presidency suggested he would consume numerous cans of Diet Coke each day, often ordering it directly to his desk in the Oval Office. This preference for fizzy drinks over water has been a recurring detail about his diet.
Little to No Alcohol
Despite owning numerous casinos and clubs, Trump is a teetotaler – he doesn’t drink alcohol. This is reportedly due to his older brother, Fred Jr.’s, struggles with alcoholism and his early death, which had a profound impact on Donald. This personal choice sets him apart from many figures in the hospitality industry.
Minimal Sleep
Trump has often claimed to require very little sleep, sometimes as little as three or four hours a night. He credits this, in part, to his boundless energy and productivity, stating that it allows him more time to work and strategize. Whether this is sustainable or healthy is a different matter, but it’s a consistent detail he’s shared.
A Lover of Fast Food
Contrasting with his luxury brand image, Trump is famously fond of fast food. He has been photographed eating McDonald’s, KFC, and other fast-food chains, even serving it at White House events. He often cites hygiene concerns at restaurants as a reason for his preference for pre-packaged, mass-produced meals.
Dislike of Hand Dryers
One of his more peculiar dislikes is hand dryers in public restrooms. He has openly expressed disdain for them, finding them ineffective and unhygienic. He prefers paper towels for drying his hands, reinforcing his germaphobic tendencies.
Specific Hair Product
Trump’s distinctive hairstyle has been the subject of much speculation. It’s reported that he uses a specific, strong-hold hairspray to maintain its shape, often mentioning the brand “Taft” by Schwarzkopf. This attention to his appearance, particularly his hair, has been a lifelong trait.
Surprising Skills and Lesser-Known Accomplishments
| Fact Number | Fact |
|---|---|
| 1 | Donald Trump is the only U.S. president to have been elected without prior political or military experience. |
| 2 | He has been married three times. |
| 3 | Trump has owned the Miss Universe, Miss USA, and Miss Teen USA beauty pageants. |
| 4 | He has written over 15 best-selling books. |
| 5 | Trump has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. |
| 6 | He has been involved in over 4,000 lawsuits. |
| 7 | Trump doesn’t drink alcohol. |
| 8 | He has been a guest on WWE’s WrestleMania twice. |
| 9 | Trump has his own board game called Trump: The Game. |
| 10 | He has a fear of shaking hands. |
While his public image is often defined by business and politics, there are some unexpected talents and achievements in his past.
A Golf Course Designer
Beyond just playing golf, Trump has a significant passion for golf course design and development. He owns multiple golf courses around the world and has been actively involved in their design and renovation. His pride in these courses is evident, often showcasing them as premier destinations.
Co-Written a Song (Almost)
In the 1980s, Trump reportedly co-wrote a song with legendary songwriter and producer Paul Anka. The song, titled “My Way,” was intended for Frank Sinatra, though it was never recorded by him. It’s an unusual collaboration that demonstrates his reach into unexpected creative circles.
A Guinness World Record Holder
Donald Trump holds a Guinness World Record. He was awarded the record for the “Highest audience for a political debate” in 2016, following a Republican primary debate that garnered an unprecedented 24 million viewers. It’s a testament to the audience engagement he commanded, even early in his political career.
His Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Trump has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, awarded in 2007. This was given to him for his work as a television personality, specifically for “The Apprentice.” Despite periods of controversy and vandalism, the star remains a tangible reminder of his pre-political celebrity status.
A Supporter of Boxing
Before his involvement in other sports, Trump was a significant figure in the boxing world. He hosted numerous championship fights at his Atlantic City casinos, particularly Trump Plaza. He was a prominent promoter and enthusiast of the sport, bringing major bouts to his venues and increasing their profile.
Hosted Saturday Night Live
Twice, in fact! Donald Trump hosted the iconic sketch comedy show “Saturday Night Live” in 2004 and again in 2015. His appearances were often controversial and received mixed reviews, but they further cemented his status as a mainstream celebrity capable of drawing large audiences.
An Unsuccessful Bid for the Empire State Building
While he’s owned many iconic properties, Trump famously tried, and failed, to purchase the Empire State Building in the 1990s. He later gained a substantial stake in the building’s leasehold, but never outright owned the structure itself, an ambition that eluded even him.
Political Trajectory and Underlying Motivations
His journey into politics was long and winding, with previous flirtations before his successful 2016 run.
Multiple Party Affiliations
Trump hasn’t always been a Republican. Over the years, he has been registered as a Republican, a Democrat, and an independent. This shifting party allegiance reflects a pragmatic approach to political affiliation, rather than staunch ideological loyalty.
Considered Running in 1988
His first public flirtation with a presidential run was as early as 1988. He even took out full-page ads in major newspapers criticising U.S. foreign policy. While he ultimately didn’t run, it shows his interest in the highest office long before he seriously pursued it.
Ross Perot’s Running Mate?
In 1999, Donald Trump briefly considered running for president as a Reform Party candidate. There were even discussions about him potentially being Ross Perot’s running mate, or taking over the party himself. This indicates a consistent, albeit sporadic, interest in presidential politics.
A registered Democrat for eight years
From 2001 to 2009, Donald Trump was a registered Democrat. During this period, he made donations to a number of Democratic politicians, including Hillary Clinton. This further highlights his flexible approach to political alignment prior to his definitive stance as a Republican frontrunner.
A long history of public polling
Even before his successful presidential campaign, Trump was surprisingly interested in public opinion. He reportedly commissioned private polls as far back as the 1980s, testing the waters for potential political bids and assessing his public image.
Never held a political office before the presidency
Unlike most presidential candidates, Donald Trump had never held any elected or appointed public office prior to becoming President of the United States. He transitioned directly from a career in business and entertainment to the highest political office, a truly unprecedented path.
The “birther” controversy
Before his 2016 campaign, Trump was a prominent figure in the “birther” movement, questioning Barack Obama’s birthplace and eligibility to be president. This gained him significant media attention and established a pattern of challenging established narratives, a trait that became central to his political brand.
Self-funded much of his 2016 primary campaign
While later relying on donations, Donald Trump initially self-funded a significant portion of his 2016 Republican primary campaign. This was a key part of his appeal, as he often stated he couldn’t be bought by special interests, a narrative that resonated with many voters.
Lesser-Known Personal Details and Views
A few more insights into the man behind the headlines, offering glimpses into his personal beliefs and habits.
A love for the colour gold
It’s no secret that Trump has a particular affinity for the colour gold. Many of his properties, from his apartments to his hotels, feature liberal use of gold leaf and gold fixtures. This reflects his taste for opulence and grandeur, a characteristic often associated with his brand.
A notable collector of art (sort of)
While not a conventional art collector, Trump has been known to display specific types of art, often portraits of himself, historical figures he admires, or paintings depicting his properties. His taste leans towards the classical and often self-aggrandizing, reflecting his public persona.
His height was a recurring discussion point
Throughout his presidency, discussions around Donald Trump’s actual height became a minor but persistent point of contention, particularly in relation to his publicly reported medical statistics. The differences were small but illustrative of the scrutiny he faced on even minor details.
Not a pet owner
Unlike many presidents, Donald Trump did not have a dog or any other pet during his time in the White House. He has often expressed disinterest in pets, citing a busy lifestyle as one reason. This contrasts with the tradition of presidential pets being part of American public life.
He sued an author for libel
In 2006, Trump sued author Tim O’Brien for libel after O’Brien, in his book “TrumpNation: The Art of Being The Donald,” claimed Trump’s net worth was significantly lower than he publicly stated. Trump lost the lawsuit, highlighting his aggressive approach to protecting his image.
His signature is distinct and often commented upon
Trump’s signature is instantly recognisable: a series of sharp, angular, almost jagged lines. It has been described by graphologists as indicative of an assertive, ambitious, and self-protective personality. It’s a visually striking autograph that reflects his bold persona.
He has a star in Atlantic City as well
Beyond his Hollywood Walk of Fame star, Donald Trump also has a star on the Atlantic City Walk of Fame. This recognises his significant contributions to the city’s casino and entertainment industry during his major involvement there.
He designed his own family crest
In a rather aristocratic gesture, Trump designed his own family crest featuring three lions and the Latin motto “Numquam Concedere” (Never Give Up). While not formally recognised by any heraldic authority, it symbolises his ambition and tenacity.
A surprising stance on universal healthcare in 2000
In an interview in 2000, when he was briefly considering a presidential run as a Reform Party candidate, Trump stated he was in favour of universal healthcare. He even praised the Canadian system. This stance is a stark contrast to his later political positions on healthcare.
His golf swing has been analysed extensively
Given his passion for golf, Trump’s golf swing has been the subject of much scrutiny and comment from golf professionals and enthusiasts alike. It’s often described as powerful but unconventional, much like his approach to many things in life.
He’s the only US President from New York City
While several presidents have hailed from New York State, Donald Trump holds the unique distinction of being the only US President born and raised in New York City itself, making him a true native of the metropolitan area.
His Scottish heritage
Through his mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, Donald Trump has significant Scottish heritage. His mother immigrated to the U.S. from the Isle of Lewis, Scotland, in 1930. He has often visited Scotland and maintains strong ties to his ancestral lands, owning golf courses there.
And there you have it: 50 facts about Donald Trump that provide a broader, and perhaps more nuanced, picture of the man. From his early life and diverse business ventures to his eccentric habits and surprising soft spots, these details paint a mosaic beyond the usual political soundbites.
FAQs
1. Who is Donald Trump?
Donald Trump is a businessman, television personality, and politician who served as the 45th President of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
2. What is Donald Trump’s net worth?
As of 2021, Donald Trump’s net worth is estimated to be around $2.4 billion, according to Forbes.
3. What are some of Donald Trump’s business ventures?
Donald Trump has been involved in various business ventures, including real estate development, casinos, hotels, golf courses, and the Trump Organization, which oversees his business interests.
4. What are some of Donald Trump’s notable achievements as President?
During his presidency, Donald Trump implemented tax cuts, appointed three Supreme Court justices, and brokered diplomatic agreements between Israel and several Arab countries.
5. What are some lesser-known facts about Donald Trump?
Some lesser-known facts about Donald Trump include his ownership of the Miss Universe pageant, his cameo appearances in several films and television shows, and his ownership of the Trump Tower in New York City.
