Love him or hate him, there's no denying that Donald Trump is one of the most polarizing figures in modern politics. From his unexpected victory in the 2016 presidential election to his tumultuous term in office, Trump's presidency was marked by controversy, scandal, and a relentless focus on his own image. Now, as he faces the possibility of criminal charges and political oblivion, it's worth taking a closer look at the rise and fall of the man who reshaped American politics.



The Early Years: A Self-Made Man


Donald Trump was born into a wealthy family in Queens, New York, in 1946. His father, Fred Trump, was a successful real estate developer who built affordable housing in Brooklyn and Queens. From a young age, Trump was exposed to the world of business and finance, and he quickly developed a talent for self-promotion.


After attending the prestigious Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, Trump went to work for his father's company, eventually taking over as president in 1974. Under his leadership, the company expanded into the lucrative Manhattan real estate market, developing luxury apartments, hotels, and casinos.


The Apprentice: The Birth of a Brand

In 2004, Trump launched a reality TV show called The Apprentice, in which contestants competed for a job with Trump's company. The show was an instant hit, thanks in large part to Trump's larger-than-life personality and his catchphrase, "You're fired!" The Apprentice made Trump a household name and cemented his reputation as a savvy businessman and media personality.



The Presidential Campaign: Shock and Awe

In 2015, Trump announced his candidacy for president of the United States, running as a Republican. His campaign was marked by controversial statements and unconventional tactics, including personal attacks on his opponents, calls for a ban on Muslim immigration, and a promise to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.


Despite his lack of political experience and his unconventional campaign style, Trump won the Republican nomination and went on to defeat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election. His victory was widely seen as a shock and a rebuke to the political establishment, and it signaled the start of a new era in American politics.


The Presidency: Chaos and Controversy


Trump's presidency was marked by a series of controversies and scandals, including investigations into his ties to Russia, allegations of sexual misconduct, and a protracted battle over immigration policy. His approval ratings were consistently low, and his behavior often drew criticism from both sides of the political aisle.


At the same time, Trump continued to pursue his own agenda, pushing for tax cuts, deregulation, and a massive overhaul of the healthcare system. He also pursued a confrontational foreign policy, withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement, renegotiating trade deals, and engaging in a series of high-profile meetings with world leaders.



The Endgame: From Impeachment to Insurrection


In 2019, Trump became only the third president in American history to be impeached by the House of Representatives, following allegations that he had pressured Ukraine to investigate his political rival Joe Biden. He was ultimately acquitted by the Senate, but the impeachment marked a turning point in his presidency.


Then, in January 2021, Trump's presidency came to a violent and chaotic end when a mob of his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. The attack was widely condemned by politicians on both sides of the aisle, and it led to Trump's second impeachment, this time for inciting an insurrection.