• Faith: Christian
• Career: Politician
• Birthday:  June 14, 1946

Donald Trump, a prominent politician, media figure, and businessman, served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021. In the 2024 presidential election, he defeated Kamala Harris, securing his return to the White House as the 47th president. This victory makes Trump the first U.S. president since Grover Cleveland in 1892 to serve two nonconsecutive terms.

Trump was born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York City, to Frederick Christ Trump, a prominent real estate developer, and Mary Anne MacLeod Trump, a Scottish immigrant. He was the fourth of five children, with siblings Maryanne, Fred Jr., Elizabeth, and Robert. Growing up in the affluent neighborhood of Jamaica Estates, Trump attended the Kew-Forest School before transferring to the New York Military Academy at the age of 13, a decision made due to behavioral issues.

The disciplined environment of the military academy instilled in him a sense of order and leadership, attributes that would later shape his business and political endeavors. After graduating in 1964, Trump enrolled at Fordham University and later transferred to the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a degree in economics in 1968.

After completing his education, Trump joined his father's real estate business, Elizabeth Trump & Son. He quickly proved his acumen by focusing on large-scale building projects in Manhattan. In 1971, he was given control of the company, which he later renamed the Trump Organization. His first major project was the transformation of the Commodore Hotel into the Grand Hyatt, a venture that marked his entry into high-profile real estate development.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Trump expanded his business empire, which included the development of Trump Tower, a 58-story skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan. He also ventured into casinos, buying properties in Atlantic City, and later expanding into the world of sports, beauty pageants, and entertainment. His brash style and knack for publicity made him a household name, further cemented by his role as the host of the reality TV show "The Apprentice," which premiered in 2004.

Donald Trump's political journey began in earnest with his 2016 presidential campaign. Running as a Republican, his campaign slogan "Make America Great Again" resonated with a significant portion of the American electorate, especially in rural and working-class areas. Despite facing a crowded field of seasoned politicians, Trump secured the Republican nomination and went on to defeat Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in a highly contentious and closely watched election.

Trump's presidency was marked by a series of bold and often controversial decisions. He implemented tax cuts, deregulated many industries, and took a hard stance on immigration, famously promising to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. His foreign policy was characterized by a "America First" approach, which included renegotiating trade deals, withdrawing from the Paris Agreement on climate change, and engaging in high-stakes negotiations with North Korea.

Domestically, Trump appointed three Supreme Court justices, significantly shifting the ideological balance of the court. His administration also saw the passage of the First Step Act, a bipartisan criminal justice reform bill. However, his tenure was also marked by significant challenges, including two impeachments, the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, and widespread protests against racial injustice.

Despite losing the 2020 election to Joe Biden, Trump has remained a powerful and influential figure within the Republican Party. His claims of election fraud and the events of January 6, 2021, when a mob of his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol, have been central to the ongoing political discourse. Nevertheless, Trump announced his candidacy for the 2024 presidential election, aiming to capitalize on his enduring support base and reshape the party in his image.

His 2024 campaign focused on the themes of economic revival, national security, and restoring "law and order." He continued to draw large crowds at rallies and remains a polarizing figure, with his supporters viewing him as a champion of the American working class and his detractors criticizing his divisive rhetoric and policies. 

Donald Trump's Religious Beliefs

Donald Trump's relationship with Christianity has been a subject of interest and debate. Raised in the Presbyterian Church, Trump has often invoked religious themes and symbols throughout his public life. During his presidency, he positioned himself as a defender of religious freedom and a proponent of policies favored by evangelical Christians, including anti-abortion measures and the appointment of conservative judges.

Trump's faith journey has been marked by public displays of religiosity, such as his participation in the National Prayer Breakfast and his visits to churches. He has frequently cited the influence of pastors like Norman Vincent Peale, author of "The Power of Positive Thinking," who preached at Marble Collegiate Church in Manhattan, where Trump's family attended services.

In a 2015 interview with CBN's "The Brody File," Trump stated, "I'm a Protestant, I'm a Presbyterian. And you know, I've had a good relationship with the church over the years." He has also spoken about his belief in God and the importance of prayer, often highlighting his commitment to protecting religious liberties.

Despite skepticism from some quarters about the depth of his religious convictions, Trump has maintained strong support among evangelical Christians. This support was pivotal in his 2016 election victory and remained a crucial component of his political base as he campaigned for the 2024 election.