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Politics & World • US Politics

Donald J. Trump

Donald J.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 11, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Donald J. Trump is an American politician and businessman who has served as the 45th and 47th president of the United States. Born in Queens, New York, he was a real estate developer before entering politics and became president in 2017, lost reelection in 2020, and returned to office in 2025.

Early life and business career

Trump was born in Queens and attended the New York Military Academy and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He became known as a real estate developer and businessman before entering politics.

First presidency

Trump won the 2016 election against Hillary Clinton and served as the 45th president from 2017 to 2021. His first term included two impeachments by the U.S. House of Representatives.

Return to office

Trump ran again in 2024, defeated Kamala Harris, and began his second presidential term on January 20, 2025. Sources describe him as the 47th president and the first to return to office after an electoral defeat since Grover Cleveland.

Family and personal life

Trump married Melania in 2005 and has five children: Donald Jr., Ivanka, Eric, Tiffany, and Barron. The White House biography also states that he has 11 grandchildren.

Key facts

  • Trump was born in Queens, New York, on June 14, 1946.
  • Before politics, he built a career in real estate and business.
  • He was elected president in 2016 and served one term from 2017 to 2021.
  • He lost the 2020 presidential election to Joe Biden.
  • He won the 2024 presidential election and began a second term in January 2025.
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Canadian context

Trump is a major figure in U.S. politics, and his presidencies have had direct implications for Canada through trade, border policy, defence cooperation, and bilateral diplomacy.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Donald J. Trump?
Donald J. Trump is an American politician and businessman who has served as the 45th and 47th president of the United States.
When was Donald Trump born?
He was born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York.
What was Donald Trump before politics?
Before entering politics, he was a real estate developer and businessman.
When was Trump first elected president?
He was elected in November 2016 and inaugurated on January 20, 2017.
Did Trump win a second term?
Yes. He won the 2024 election and began his second term on January 20, 2025.
How many times has Trump been impeached?
He was impeached twice by the U.S. House of Representatives, once in 2019 and again in 2021.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Trump
    Supports: Presidential terms, election outcomes, office dates, vice president, and basic biographical overview.
  2. Donald J. Trump Presidential Library — http://www.trumplibrary.gov/trumps/president-donald-j-trump
    Supports: Birth date and place, education, business background, family details, and presidential history.
  3. The White House — https://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/donald-j-trump/
    Supports: Current office designation, second-term status, and family information.
  4. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/summary/Donald-Trump
    Supports: Full name, birth date, and description as 45th and 47th president.
  5. Ballotpedia — https://ballotpedia.org/Donald_Trump
    Supports: Pre-political career, 2016 election, 2020 defeat, and impeachment-related factual background.