Draft:Who won the election in 2024

Donald J. Trump

Early Life and Family Background

Donald John Trump was born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York City, to Fred Trump and Mary MacLeod Trump. His father, Fred, was a real estate developer who made a fortune building and managing middle-class housing in New York's outer boroughs, particularly in Queens and Brooklyn. Trump was the fourth of five children in the family and grew up in a privileged environment, though not without challenges. He attended the Kew-Forest School and later transferred to the New York Military Academy in 1959 after some trouble at school.

Trump was an ambitious and competitive child, characteristics that would later define his career. He briefly attended Fordham University before transferring to the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a bachelor's degree in economics in 1968. Wharton’s prestige in business circles helped shape Trump’s early aspirations for business leadership.

1. 1. 1. Rise in Business

After completing his education, Trump entered the real estate business under his father's company, The Trump Organization. His early projects included managing residential buildings in Brooklyn and Queens, but he quickly sought to expand into Manhattan. In the mid-1970s, he took control of the company, rebranding it under his own name.

Trump’s first major venture was the transformation of the Commodore Hotel into the Grand Hyatt, a project that helped establish him as a significant figure in New York real estate. He continued to build his brand by purchasing and renovating iconic properties like the Trump Tower in Manhattan, which opened in 1983. His ventures in the 1980s also included Atlantic City casinos, luxury hotels, and an airline, among other business pursuits. He became known for his ostentatious lifestyle, and the phrase “The Trump brand” became synonymous with opulence, excess, and boldness.

Despite his public image as a business mogul, Trump’s ventures were not without financial difficulties. His real estate empire faced several bankruptcies, particularly in the early 1990s, when the casino business faltered. Trump restructured his debts and continued to expand his business portfolio, and by the mid-2000s, his brand became globally recognized, with ventures in golf courses, luxury residential developments, and real estate in major international cities.

1. 1. 1. Entering Politics

Trump’s foray into politics began long before his 2016 presidential campaign. He was known for making occasional political donations to both Republican and Democratic candidates and for publicly speculating about a run for office. His views on political issues, often delivered in interviews or via media, suggested a sense of frustration with the political establishment.

In 2011, Trump became a major figure in the "birther" movement, questioning whether President Barack Obama was born in the United States. This conspiracy theory, though baseless, gained Trump a great deal of attention and helped him cultivate a more visible role in national politics. He also began to build a populist image, portraying himself as a businessman outside the system who could bring change to Washington, D.C.

Trump announced his candidacy for president in June 2015 as a Republican, promising to "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) by focusing on issues like immigration reform, trade imbalances, and military strength. His campaign, at first seen as a publicity stunt, gained traction thanks to his unorthodox and blunt style, a rhetoric that appealed to working-class voters who felt neglected by the political establishment. Trump's hardline stance on illegal immigration, particularly his promise to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, resonated with a significant portion of the electorate.

1. 1. 1. 2016 Presidential Election

Trump’s path to the Republican nomination was tumultuous, with a large field of candidates. Despite frequent controversies, gaffes, and his lack of traditional political experience, Trump secured the Republican nomination in 2016. His rhetoric—often inflammatory, provocative, and sometimes offensive—set him apart from other Republican candidates. His key message focused on returning American jobs from overseas, restoring the country’s military dominance, and taking a hardline stance against illegal immigration.

In the general election, Trump faced Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, who was seen by many as the establishment choice. Clinton was a former senator, secretary of state, and first lady, and she ran on a platform focused on continuing the policies of the Obama administration, particularly in areas like healthcare, social justice, and foreign policy. The election was highly contentious, with numerous debates over issues like race, class, trade, and foreign interference. Trump’s victory was a stunning upset, as most polls and analysts predicted Clinton would win. Trump secured the presidency with 304 electoral votes to Clinton’s 227, though Clinton won the popular vote by nearly 3 million votes.

The 2016 election was marked by an unprecedented level of online disinformation, hacking by Russian operatives, and controversies surrounding the Clinton email scandal. Trump’s campaign was criticized for its rhetoric, its connections with Russia, and the role social media played in shaping the election’s outcome. Nonetheless, Trump’s outsider image and promise to shake up the political system resonated with many Americans, particularly in swing states like Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania, where Clinton had expected to win.

1. 1. 1. Presidency (2017-2021)

Trump’s time in office was one of constant controversy, polarization, and change. His administration was characterized by a mix of bold policy initiatives, erratic decision-making, and frequent clashes with both the media and political opponents. Some key aspects of his presidency include:

1. **Immigration and Border Security**: Trump pushed for the construction of a border wall with Mexico and implemented policies designed to curb illegal immigration. His administration enacted a “zero-tolerance” policy that led to family separations at the southern border, a policy that was widely criticized.

2. **Economic Policy**: Trump implemented significant tax cuts, with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which primarily benefited corporations and high-income individuals. His administration also imposed tariffs on China and other nations as part of a broader trade war, aiming to reduce the U.S. trade deficit and bring jobs back to the U.S.

3. **Foreign Policy**: Trump’s “America First” foreign policy emphasized nationalism and isolationism. He withdrew the U.S. from several international agreements, including the Paris Climate Accord, the Iran nuclear deal, and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). His administration also brokered historic agreements between Israel and several Arab nations, known as the Abraham Accords.

4. **Impeachments**: Trump was impeached twice by the House of Representatives—first in 2019 over his dealings with Ukraine (abuse of power and obstruction of Congress) and again in 2021 following the January 6 Capitol riot. He was acquitted by the Senate both times, but these impeachments marked significant moments in his presidency.

5. **COVID-19 Pandemic**: The global coronavirus pandemic became a defining issue of Trump’s final year in office. His handling of the crisis was widely criticized, with accusations of downplaying the severity of the virus, promoting unproven treatments, and underfunding efforts to combat the pandemic. Nonetheless, his administration oversaw the rapid development of vaccines through Operation Warp Speed.

1. 1. 1. 2020 Election and Post-Presidency

Trump ran for re-election in 2020 against former Vice President Joe Biden. The election was held amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and the turnout was historically high, with millions of people voting by mail or absentee ballots. The election results were contentious, with Trump and many of his supporters claiming widespread voter fraud. After a prolonged series of legal challenges and recounts, Biden was declared the winner of the election, securing 306 electoral votes to Trump’s 232.

Trump refused to concede and continued to promote unfounded claims about election fraud. His refusal to accept the results culminated in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, when a mob of his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to overturn the election results. The riot led to the deaths of five people, including a Capitol police officer, and resulted in extensive property damage.

Trump’s role in the riot led to his second impeachment by the House of Representatives, where he was charged with incitement of insurrection. He was acquitted once again by the Senate, but the event further deepened the political polarization in the country.

In the aftermath of the election and the January 6th incident, Trump faced multiple investigations, legal challenges, and scrutiny over his role in the events surrounding the Capitol riot and his handling of classified documents after leaving office. Despite these controversies, he remained a powerful figure in the Republican Party.

1. 1. 1. Legacy and Impact

Donald Trump's presidency remains one of the most polarizing in U.S. history. His supporters praise him for his bold leadership, focus on American interests, and reshaping the conservative movement. Critics, however, accuse him of undermining democratic norms, promoting divisive rhetoric, and failing to address the country’s pressing issues like racial inequality, climate change, and the pandemic.

Trump’s lasting influence on American politics is undeniable, with his populist rhetoric, unconventional style, and focus on issues like immigration, trade, and nationalism continuing to shape political discourse in the U.S. His ongoing influence on the Republican Party has been a topic of debate, particularly as he hints at running for president again in 2024.

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This is just a broad overview of Donald Trump's life and career, touching on the major events and controversies that shaped his public image. If you'd like me to continue or focus more on any specific aspect of his life, feel free to let me know!