Donald Trump: Controversies, Success & 2024 Election

Donald Trump is a businessman and politician who served as the 45th President of the United States from 2017 to 2021. Born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York, Trump is the fourth of five children of Fred and Mary Anne Trump. He attended Fordham University and the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, where he earned a degree in economics.

Trump is best known for his work as a real estate developer and host of the reality television show “The Apprentice.” Before establishing his real estate empire, The Trump Organization, he worked for his father’s company, Elizabeth Trump & Son. The organization owns and manages a wide range of properties, including hotels, golf courses, and office buildings, both in the United States and worldwide.

Trump’s political career began in 2015 when he announced his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination. Despite initially being seen as a long-shot candidate, Trump’s populist message and unconventional campaign style resonated with many voters. He won the Republican nomination and defeated Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election, despite losing the popular vote.

During his presidency, Trump was known for his controversial statements and policies, including his hardline stance on immigration, his rejection of climate science, and his criticisms of the media and political opponents. He was impeached twice by the House of Representatives, first in 2019 over allegations of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, then again in 2021 over allegations of incitement of insurrection in connection with January 6, 2021, the storming of the U.S. Capitol by a mob of his supporters.

Despite his impeachment, Trump remains a popular figure among many Republicans and is considered a potential candidate for the party’s nomination in the 2024 presidential election.

Donald Trump as a Business Man

Donald Trump is a prominent American businessman who has been involved in many industries throughout his career. He started his business career working for his father’s real estate company and eventually took over the company, renaming it the Trump Organization. Here are some details about Trump’s business:

Real Estate: Trump’s success in real estate development began in the 1970s when he took over his father’s company and built properties in Manhattan. He quickly gained a reputation as a brash and bold developer who was willing to take risks to make money. Some of his most notable projects include:

Trump Tower: A 58-story mixed-use building on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan opened in 1983. The facility includes luxury apartments, commercial space, and Trump’s residence. According to Forbes, the building is worth $620 million as of 2022.
Trump World Tower: A 72-story residential skyscraper in Manhattan that opened in 2001. The building is known for its distinctive design and has been featured in several movies and T.V. shows. Forbes estimates the building is worth $470 million as of 2022.
Trump International Hotel and Tower: A 44-story mixed-use building in Manhattan that opened in 1997. The facility includes a luxury hotel, condominiums, and commercial space. Forbes estimates the building is worth $400 million as of 2022.

In addition to his properties in New York City, Trump has developed properties worldwide, including golf courses and resorts in Scotland, Ireland, and Dubai.

Hotels and Resorts: Trump’s hotel and resort business includes properties in the United States and worldwide. Some of his most famous properties include the Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida, and the Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C. In addition, he owns or has owned properties in Scotland, Ireland, and Canada.

Trump’s hotels and resorts have been a significant source of controversy. Many of his properties have faced financial difficulties, and his political career has caused some customers to boycott his hotels.

Casinos: Trump was involved in the casino industry for many years, operating several casinos in Atlantic City, New Jersey. However, many of his casinos ultimately filed for bankruptcy and were sold off. Trump Taj Mahal, for example, filed for bankruptcy twice before closing its doors for good in 2016.

Branding: Trump has successfully built his brand and used it to market his businesses. He has licensed his name to a wide range of products, including clothing, fragrances, home furnishings, and bottled water. Some of his most successful brand partnerships include:

Trump Home: A collection of furniture and home decor products sold by several retailers, including Macy’s and Wayfair.
Trump Golf: A collection of golf courses and resorts owned or licensed by Trump. According to Forbes, the Trump golf business generated $122 million in revenue in 2019.
Trump Steaks: A line of steaks that Trump launched in 2007, which failed to gain traction.

Entertainment: Trump has also had success in the entertainment industry. He owned the Miss Universe pageant from 1996 to 2015, which included the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA competitions. The spectacles were broadcast on T.V. and attracted millions of viewers. In addition, Trump produced and hosted The Apprentice, a reality T.V. show that aired from 2004 to 2015. The show featured contestants competing for a job at one of Trump’s companies and was a rating hit. According to Forbes, Trump earned $213 million from The Apprentice over 14 seasons.

Other Ventures: In addition to his real estate, hotel, and golf course ventures, Trump has been involved in several different business ventures over the years. For example, he owned the New Jersey Generals, a professional football team that played in the United States Football League in the 1980s. He also held Trump Model Management, a modelling agency representing women and men for fashion, commercial, and advertising work.

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Donald Trump’s Controversies as Businessman:

Despite his success as a businessman, Trump has faced several controversies over the years. Some of the most notable include his bankruptcies, allegations of fraud related to Trump University, and accusations of sexual misconduct.

Bankruptcies: Trump’s companies have filed for bankruptcy four times: in 1991, 1992, 2004, and 2009. His Atlantic City casinos, including the Trump Taj Mahal, Trump Plaza, and Trump Entertainment Resorts, went bankrupt. Critics have accused Trump of mismanaging his businesses and using bankruptcy to avoid paying his debts. However, Trump has defended his use of bankruptcy, saying it is a standard business strategy.
Failed Business Ventures: Trump has had a number of failed business ventures over the years. For example, Trump Steaks, a line of steaks that he launched in 2007, failed to gain traction and was discontinued. Trump Vodka, a brand of vodka that he launched in 2006, also failed to succeed. In addition, Trump’s real estate investments in the early 1990s led to significant financial losses, with some estimates putting his debt at nearly $1 billion.
Trump University: Trump University was a real estate school that Trump founded in 2005. The school promised to teach students the secrets of his success in the real estate industry. However, former students accused the school of being a scam and filed a class-action lawsuit against Trump in 2010. The lawsuit alleged that Trump University had made false promises and defrauded students out of tens of thousands of dollars. In 2018, Trump settled the lawsuit for $25 million, without admitting any wrongdoing.
Undocumented Workers: Trump has been accused of using undocumented workers in some of his construction projects. In 1983, the federal government accused Trump and his construction company of employing undocumented workers from Poland. Trump settled the lawsuit for $1.4 million, without admitting any wrongdoing. In 2016, the Washington Post reported that Trump’s companies had hired undocumented workers from Poland, even as he was campaigning on an anti-immigration platform.
Tax Evasion: Trump has been accused of engaging in tax evasion and other forms of financial misconduct. In 2018, the New York Times reported that Trump and his family had engaged in a pattern of fraud to avoid paying taxes. The report alleged that Trump had received at least $413 million from his father’s real estate empire, much of it through tax evasion schemes. Trump has denied the allegations and called the report “fake news.”
Conflict of Interest: Trump has been accused of using his position as President to benefit his businesses. For example, he has been criticized for continuing to own and profit from his hotels while serving as President and for using his Twitter account to promote his businesses. Critics have argued that this creates a conflict of interest and undermines the presidency’s integrity. In addition, Trump’s businesses have received favourable treatment from the federal government, such as tax breaks and regulatory rollbacks. Critics have accused Trump of using his position to enrich himself and his family.

Trumps Controversies Regarding Women

Donald Trump has been involved in several controversies related to women over the years. Some of the most notable examples include:

Allegations of Sexual Misconduct: During the 2016 presidential campaign, several women came forward with allegations of sexual misconduct against Donald Trump. These allegations included groping, kissing without consent, and other inappropriate behaviour. One of the most high-profile accusers was Jessica Leeds, who claimed that Trump groped her on a plane in the 1980s. Other accusers included Rachel Crooks, who said that Trump kissed her without permission in 2005, and Natasha Stoynoff, who alleged that Trump kissed her during an interview for People magazine. Trump denied all of the allegations and called the women liars. He also suggested that some women were not attractive enough for him to assault.
Access Hollywood Tape: In October 2016, just weeks before the presidential election, a recording was released of Donald Trump making lewd comments about women during a conversation with Access Hollywood host Billy Bush. In the recording, Trump boasted about kissing women without their consent and grabbing them by the genitals. The comments sparked widespread outrage and led some Republicans to withdraw their support for Trump. Trump apologized for the remarks but dismissed them as “locker room talk.”
Comments about Women: Donald Trump has a long history of derogatory remarks about women. In 1991, he famously called a former Miss Universe winner “an eating machine” and said she had “a bad attitude.” He has also referred to women as “fat pigs,” “dogs,” and “slobs,” among other insults. In addition, he has criticized women’s appearances, suggesting that they have had plastic surgery or are too unattractive to be sexual assault victims.
Treatment of Women in Business: Donald Trump has faced criticism for his treatment of women in his business dealings. In 1986, he bought the Miss Universe pageant and was accused of making inappropriate comments and advances towards contestants. In 1997, a female executive named Jill Harth filed a lawsuit against Trump, alleging that he had groped her and made unwanted sexual advances. Harth later dropped the case as part of a settlement agreement. In addition, several former employees have accused Trump of discrimination and harassment. In 2017, a group of female employees at Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, filed a lawsuit alleging that they had been subjected to harassment and discrimination on the job.
Policies Regarding Women: During his presidency, Donald Trump faced criticism for his policies regarding women’s issues. He rolled back several Obama-era policies related to reproductive rights, including the Affordable Care Act’s contraception mandate. He also nominated several judges with records of opposing abortion rights to the federal bench. In addition, his administration was accused of ignoring sexual harassment and assault allegations against top officials, including former White House staff secretary Rob Porter and former Republican National Committee finance chairman Steve Wynn.
Stormy Daniels Scandal: In 2018, adult film actress Stormy Daniels (real name Stephanie Clifford) alleged that she had an affair with Donald Trump in 2006 and was paid $130,000 to keep quiet just before the 2016 election. Trump denied the experience and initially denied knowing about the payment. However, he later acknowledged that he reimbursed his attorney Michael Cohen for the price. Daniels sued Trump for defamation, claiming that he had lied about the affair and smeared her reputation. The lawsuit was later dismissed.
Treatment of Female Journalists: Donald Trump has had a contentious relationship with the media throughout his career, extending to his treatment of female journalists. He has made derogatory comments about female reporters’ appearances and intelligence and has been accused of sexism and harassment. In 2016, he famously called journalist Megyn Kelly a “bimbo” and suggested she had menstrual bleeding during a debate. He has also mocked female reporters for their questions and called them “nasty” or “fake news.”
Rape Allegation: In 1994, a woman named E. Jean Carroll alleged in a book that Donald Trump had raped her in a dressing room at a department store in New York City in the mid-1990s. Trump denied the allegation and said he had never met Carroll, even though a photo of them together at a party was later uncovered. Carroll sued Trump for defamation after he called her a liar and said that she was trying to sell books. The lawsuit was dismissed, but Carroll has continued to speak out about her experience and the need for accountability for sexual assault.
Misogynistic Comments: Donald Trump has a long history of making sexist and misogynistic comments in public and private settings. He has referred to women as “dogs,” “pigs,” and “slobs” and has made comments about their weight, appearance, and intelligence. He has also suggested that women who have abortions should be punished and has joked about dating his daughter. These comments have been widely criticized and have led many to question his fitness for office.
Pageant Controversies: Donald Trump owned the Miss Universe, Miss USA, and Miss Teen USA pageants from 1996 to 2015. During his ownership, the pageants were dogged by controversies about their treatment of women. Several former contestants alleged that they were subjected to inappropriate behaviour and sexual harassment, including being forced to pose nude and leered at by Trump himself. Trump was also accused of discriminating against contestants based on their race and physical appearance.
Allegations of Pay Discrimination: There have been numerous allegations against women who worked for the Trump Organization or Trump’s campaign. In 2016, a former employee of Trump’s golf club in California filed a lawsuit alleging that she was paid less than her male counterparts and subjected to sexual harassment. Similar cases have been filed by women who worked on Trump’s campaign and at his hotels and resorts.
Treatment of Women in the White House: During his presidency, Donald Trump was criticized for treating women who worked in the White House. He was accused of fostering a culture of harassment and abuse, and several high-profile female staffers resigned amid allegations of misconduct by male colleagues. Trump was accused of making inappropriate comments and gestures towards female staffers and retaliating against women who spoke against him.

Donald trump’s Controversies Regarding Race & Colour

There have been several controversies related to race that have involved Donald Trump over the years. Here are a few examples:

Housing Discrimination: In 1973, the Justice Department sued Donald Trump, his father, Fred Trump, and their company for violating the Fair Housing Act by discriminating against African Americans in their rental properties in New York City. The lawsuit alleged that the Trumps had systematically excluded black tenants from their buildings, falsified rental terms to discourage black applicants, and steered black tenants towards specific structures. The Trumps denied the allegations but ultimately settled the case without admitting guilt. The settlement required them to ensure non-discriminatory practices in their rental properties and make properties available to previously excluded minorities.
Central Park Five: In 1989, five black and Latino teenagers were wrongfully accused and convicted of raping a white female jogger in Central Park in New York City. Donald Trump took out full-page ads in four New York City newspapers at the time, calling for the reinstatement of the death penalty and suggesting that the teens were guilty. Despite DNA evidence exonerating the men years later, Trump maintained that they were guilty as recently as 2019.
Birtherism: In 2011, Donald Trump became one of the most prominent proponents of the “birther” conspiracy theory, which claimed that Barack Obama was not born in the United States and, therefore, ineligible to be President. Even though Obama released his birth certificate in 2008 and multiple investigations confirmed his citizenship, Trump continued questioning Obama’s eligibility and called for him to release additional records. Trump conceded that Obama was born in the U.S. during the 2016 presidential campaign.
Charlottesville Comments: In 2017, a group of white supremacists and neo-Nazis held a rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, which turned violent and resulted in the death of a counter-protester. In the aftermath of the violence, Donald Trump drew criticism for his response, in which he blamed “both sides” for the violence and suggested that there were “fine people” on both sides. Politicians and public figures from both parties widely condemned his comments.
“Shithole Countries”: In 2018, during a meeting with lawmakers to discuss immigration policy, Donald Trump referred to Haiti, El Salvador, and several African nations as “shithole countries” and suggested that the U.S. should instead welcome immigrants from Norway. His comments were widely criticized as racist and insensitive and drew condemnation from leaders around the world.

Muslim Ban: In 2017, Donald Trump signed an executive order banning travel from seven Muslim-majority countries, sparking widespread protests and legal challenges. The order was criticized as discriminatory and unconstitutional, and ultimately, several courts struck it down. The Trump administration revised the order multiple times, but it continued to face legal challenges.
DACA: In 2017, the Trump administration announced that it would end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which provided protections for undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children. The decision was met with widespread protests and legal challenges, with critics arguing that punishing young people who had grown up in the U.S. was cruel and unfair. The Supreme Court ultimately ruled in 2020 that the Trump administration had not provided a sufficient justification for ending the program, and it remains in place.
“Very Fine People on Both Sides”: In 2017, Donald Trump was widely criticized for his response to the violence at a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he suggested that there were “wonderful people on both sides” of the conflict. Critics argued that Trump equated the violent white supremacists with those protesting against them and that his comments emboldened white nationalists.
“Pocahontas” Comment: During a 2017 event honouring Navajo code talkers, Donald Trump referred to Senator Elizabeth Warren as “Pocahontas,” a racially charged slur referring to Warren’s claims of Native American ancestry. The comment was widely criticized as disrespectful and inappropriate and drew condemnation from many Native American leaders.

“Mexican Rapists”: During his presidential campaign announcement in 2015, Donald Trump claimed that Mexico was sending “rapists” and criminals to the United States. He faced widespread backlash from the Latino community and many politicians and advocacy groups who accused him of promoting xenophobia and racism.
Muslim Registry: During his 2016 campaign, Donald Trump called for a national registry of Muslims, suggesting that such a measure would be necessary for national security. The proposal was widely criticized as discriminatory and unconstitutional and was ultimately abandoned.
Travel Ban Expansion: In 2020, the Trump administration expanded its travel ban to include six additional countries, including Nigeria, Eritrea, Tanzania, Sudan, Myanmar, and Kyrgyzstan. Critics argued that the move was motivated by anti-Muslim sentiment and would harm families and communities.
Separation of Families: In 2018, the Trump administration implemented a “zero tolerance” policy at the U.S.-Mexico border, separating thousands of migrant families. The policy faced widespread condemnation from human rights groups, who argued that it was inhumane and traumatizing for both children and parents. Trump eventually signed an executive order ending the policy, but the lasting impact on families affected remains unclear.

The success of Donald Trump as President

Several achievements, controversies, and criticism marked Donald Trump’s presidency. Some of the successes and accomplishments of his presidency include:

Tax Reform: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act lowered the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% and decreased individual tax rates across the board. According to the Tax Foundation, the legislation led to higher GDP growth, wages, and job creation. However, some critics argued that the bill primarily benefited the wealthy and corporations and would add to the federal deficit over time.
Criminal Justice Reform: The First Step Act was supported by many groups, including civil rights organizations, conservative think tanks, and law enforcement groups. The legislation was aimed at reducing mass incarceration and included provisions such as expanding early release programs, reducing mandatory minimum sentences, and providing more funding for rehabilitation and reentry programs. According to the Justice Department, over 3,000 inmates were released early under the law in its first year.
USMCA Trade Deal: The USMCA included several updates to NAFTA, such as new provisions for intellectual property protections, labour standards, and environmental regulations. The deal was supported by many business and industry groups, who argued that it would improve trade relations between the three countries and promote economic growth. According to the Office of the United States Trade Representative, the USMCA was estimated to increase U.S. GDP by $68.2 billion and create 176,000 new jobs.
Strengthening the Military: Trump increased military spending during his presidency, with the 2020 defence budget totalling $738 billion. He also established the U.S. Space Force as a new branch of the armed forces aimed at increasing American dominance in space. In addition, he implemented policies aimed at improving the quality of life for military families, such as increasing funding for military housing and healthcare.

Foreign Policy Achievements: The Abraham Accords, brokered by the Trump administration, led to the normalization of relations between Israel and several Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Sudan. The agreements were praised by many in the international community as a historic achievement. Trump also met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in two historic summits to reduce tensions and promote denuclearization on the Korean peninsula.
Regulatory Reform: Trump implemented policies to reduce regulations on businesses and industries. The administration claimed that these policies led to increased economic growth, job creation, and lower business costs. According to a report by the White House Council of Economic Advisers, the administration’s deregulatory efforts saved American households an average of $3,100 per year.
Judicial Appointments: Trump made significant strides in appointing conservative judges to federal courts, including two Supreme Court Justices, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh. He also set over 200 judges to lower federal courts, which was a significant victory for conservatives concerned about the liberalization of the judiciary.
Middle East Peace: The Trump administration brokered several historic peace deals in the Middle East, including the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations. The administration also recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, a move praised by some as a long-overdue recognition of reality but criticized by others as a provocative gesture that undermined the peace process.

Failures of Donald Trump as President

On the other hand, Trump also faced several controversies and criticisms during his presidency. For example:

COVID-19 Pandemic: Trump faced criticism for handling the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly his initial downplaying of the virus and his mixed messaging on public health measures such as mask-wearing and social distancing. The U.S. has had one of the highest numbers of COVID-19 cases, and deaths in the world, and Trump’s administration was accused of not doing enough to prevent the spread of the virus.
Divisive Rhetoric: Trump’s rhetoric on race, immigration and LGBTQ+ rights was criticized by many as divisive and inflammatory. He was accused of using dog whistles and coded language to appeal to white nationalist and supremacist groups. His administration was charged with promoting harmful policies to marginalized communities.
Immigration Policies: Trump’s administration implemented several controversial immigration policies, such as the travel ban on several Muslim-majority countries, the separation of migrant families at the border, and the end of the DACA program for young immigrants. Civil rights groups and immigration advocates criticized these policies as inhumane and discriminatory.
Allegations of Misconduct: Trump faced several allegations of misconduct and unethical behaviour during his presidency, such as the alleged payment of hush money to a pornographic actress and a former Playboy model and the claims of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.
Russian Interference: Trump faced allegations that his campaign colluded with the Russian government during the 2016 election and that he obstructed justice in the subsequent investigation. While the Mueller Report did not find evidence of collusion, it did outline several instances of potential obstruction of justice by Trump. These allegations were the subject of much debate and controversy during his presidency.
Ukraine Scandal: Trump was impeached by the House of Representatives in 2019 over allegations that he withheld military aid to Ukraine in exchange for an investigation into his political rival, Joe Biden. While the Senate ultimately acquitted him, the scandal was seen as a significant blemish on his presidency and led to renewed scrutiny of his administration’s dealings with foreign governments.
Twitter Use: Trump’s use of Twitter was seen by many as a controversial aspect of his presidency. He used the platform to announce policy decisions, attack his political opponents, and engage in personal feuds with celebrities and other public figures. While some praised his use of Twitter to communicate directly with the American people, others argued that it was unprofessional and unbecoming of a President.
Attacks on the Media: Trump frequently attacked the media during his presidency, accusing outlets such as CNN and The New York Times of spreading “fake news.” He also referred to the press as the “enemy of the people” on several occasions, which many saw as dangerous and authoritarian rhetoric that undermined the freedom of the media.

Immigration Policies: Trump’s policies regarding immigration and border control were among the most controversial of his presidency. The administration implemented a policy of separating families at the border, which drew widespread condemnation from human rights groups and the public. The administration also attempted to ban immigration from several Muslim-majority countries, which many saw as discriminatory and unconstitutional.
Charlottesville Response: In 2017, a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, turned violent and resulted in the death of a counter-protester. Trump’s response to the violence was widely criticized, as he initially blamed “both sides” for the violence and failed to condemn the white supremacist groups who organized the rally.
Climate Change Denial: Trump has been a vocal critic of climate change science and has rolled back several environmental regulations and initiatives during his presidency. This stance has been widely criticized by environmental activists and scientists, who argue that climate change is a severe threat to the planet and that the United States is responsible for addressing it.

Trump & 2024 Presidential Election

It is still early to predict the potential outcome of the 2024 Presidential Election, especially since it is not yet clear whether Joe Biden or Donald Trump will run for President. However, the election would likely be highly contested and competitive if both were to run.

One factor that could influence the outcome is the state of the economy. If the economy continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, it could give Biden an advantage as the incumbent President. However, if the economy experiences setbacks or stalls, it could allow Trump to capitalize on his reputation as a businessman and economic leader.

Another factor that could shape the election is international events. Biden’s foreign policy is focused on repairing relationships with traditional allies and engaging in multilateral diplomacy. If he is successful in these efforts, it could bolster his standing as a global leader. On the other hand, if there are international crises or conflicts, it could allow Trump to present himself as a strong and decisive leader.

It’s possible that any failures or missteps by President Biden’s administration could benefit former President Trump if he decides to run for office again in 2024. Suppose President Biden cannot make significant progress on critical issues such as the economy, immigration, or healthcare. In that case, voters who are dissatisfied with his performance may turn to Trump as a potential alternative.

Additionally, Trump may seek to capitalize on any controversies or scandals arising during Biden’s presidency, much like he did during his presidential campaign in 2016. Trump is known for his ability to generate media attention and dominate the news cycle, which could give him an advantage if negative stories about the Biden administration begin to circulate.