ELECTION COUNTDOWN: We Chart Donald Trump's Astonishing Rise From Egomaniacal Real Estate Mogul to President
See how Donald Trump went from being a real estate mogul to a U.S. politician.
Oct. 31 2024, Published 9:00 p.m. ET
1989
Trump became the president of his family's real estate business in 1971.
Before entering politics, began working on his father's real estate business, eventually becoming the president of the Trump Organization in 1971.
In 1989, he appeared at a press conference where he shared more details about the Trump Taj Mahal (now Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City).
2000
Before politics he released several books and had his own reality TV show.
In the years thereafter, Trump expanded into various businesses and tried other careers.
He signed one of his books, The America We Deserve, at Trump Tower in 2000.
2001
Trump married third wife Melania in 2005.
Donald and his now-wife, Melania Trump (née Knauss), attended the Academy Awards.
They tied the knot in January 2005, months after The Apprentice star proposed to her at the 2004 Met Gala with a 15-carat diamond engagement ring.
2005
Trump founded now defunct-Trump University in 2005.
In 2005, Donald established Trump University to help business professionals and entrepreneurs, saying he wanted to create a "legacy as an educator" by "imparting lots of knowledge" through the program.
2006
The ex-president posed for the press while promoting Season 6 of 'The Apprentice'.
Donald posed for the press as he led The Apprentice Season 6 open casting call kickoff.
2007
He earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2007.
In January 2007, the Hollywood Walk of Fame honored Donald with a star.
2008
Trump once owned the Miss Universe Organization before he forced to sell over his comments about Mexicans.
Donald attended the 57th Annual Miss USA competition in 2008, years before he was forced to sell the Miss Universe Organization to WME after his controversial comment about Mexicans.
2010
Trump attended Universal's Upfront Presentation in 2010.
Donald struck a pose at Universal's 2010 Upfront Presentation.
2012
He returned to the Miss Universe competition in 2012.
The Miss Universe 2012 red carpet welcomed Donald to the event.
2016
He entered politics in 2016 when he launched his first presidential campaign.
In 2016, Donald launched his campaign with the slogan, "Make America Great Again," after successfully securing the Republican nomination.
2017
Trump was inaugurated in January 2017.
Donald was inaugurated in January 2017 and ultimately became the 45th president of the U.S.
He said in his speech: "This is your day. This is your celebration. And this, the United States of America, is your country.
"What truly matters is not which party controls our government, but whether our government is controlled by the people.
"January 20th 2017, will be remembered as the day the people became the rulers of this nation again. The forgotten men and women of our country will be forgotten no longer. Everyone is listening to you now."
2018
Trump supported Kris Kobach at a 2018 MAGA rally.
The 78-year-old supported Kris Kobach at a MAGA rally in Kansas.
2019
Trump traveled overseas to London on an official state visit in 2019.
Donald was spotted in London during a state visit in 2019.
2020
Trump received a briefing on the upcoming hurricane season in 2020.
Ahead of the 2020 hurricane season, Donald joined a briefing in the Oval Office at the White House.
2021
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Trump spoke to press before boarding Marine One in 2021.
Donald took his time to speak with the media before boarding Marine One.
2022
Trump attended the NRA convention in Texas in 2022.
The Republican presidential nominee appeared at the National Rifle Association's convention in Houston, Texas, where he spoke about his desire to run again in the 2024 election.
He said: "We will fight for America like no one has ever fought before. 2024 is our final battle. With you at my side, we will demolish the deep state."
Donald added, "With your support, we will go on to victory in the likes of which no one has ever seen, and we will evict crooked Joe Biden from the White House on November 5th, 2024. The great silent majority is rising like never before. And under our leadership, the forgotten man and woman will be forgotten no longer. We are one movement, one people, one family, and one glorious nation under God. And together, we will make America powerful again."
2023
The presidential hopeful spoke at the CAGOP Fall 2023 Convention.
Donald, who has faced multiple sexual misconduct allegations over the years, spoke at the CAGOP Fall 2023 Convention.
2024
Trump traveled across the country during his third presidential campaign.
Ahead of the 2024 election, Donald has continuously met his supporters at conventions and rallies.
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