Early Life and Education of Donald Trump: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Donald Trump, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman. He served as the 45th U.S. President from 2017 to 2021. A Republican, Trump's presidency was marked by significant policy changes, including tax cuts and deregulation. Before entering politics, he built a real estate and branding empire. He is currently running for president again in 2024.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

June 14, 1946: Donald Trump's Birth

On June 14, 1946, Donald John Trump was born. He is an American politician, media personality, and businessman.

June 14, 1946: Birth of Donald Trump

On June 14, 1946, Donald John Trump was born at Jamaica Hospital in Queens, New York City.

1964: Enrollment at Fordham University

In 1964, Donald Trump enrolled at Fordham University and participated in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps.

May 1968: Graduation from Wharton School

In May 1968, Donald Trump graduated from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science in economics.

1968: Graduation from University of Pennsylvania

In 1968, Donald Trump graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor's degree in economics.

1969: Registered as Republican

In 1969, Donald Trump registered as a Republican in Queens.

1977: Marriage to Ivana Zelníčková

In 1977, Trump married Ivana Zelníčková, with whom he had three children: Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric.

1981: Birth of Ivanka Trump

Ivanka Trump was born in 1981.

1984: Birth of Eric Trump

Eric Trump was born in 1984.

1987: Registered as Republican in Manhattan

In 1987, Donald Trump registered as a Republican in Manhattan.

1990: Divorce from Ivana Zelníčková

In 1990, Trump divorced Ivana Zelníčková following his affair with Marla Maples.

1990: Net Worth at Minus $900 Million

In 1990, Trump self-reported his net worth as minus $900 million.

1993: Marriage to Marla Maples

In 1993, Trump married Marla Maples.

1999: Joined Independence Party

In 1999, Donald Trump became a member of the Independence Party, the New York state affiliate of the Reform Party.

1999: Divorce from Marla Maples

In 1999, Trump divorced Marla Maples. They have one daughter, Tiffany.

2001: Registered as Democrat

In 2001, Donald Trump registered as a Democrat.

2005: Marriage to Melania Knauss

In 2005, Trump married Slovenian model Melania Knauss.

2006: Birth of Barron Trump

Barron Trump, the son of Donald Trump and Melania Knauss, was born in 2006.

2009: Registered as Republican again

In 2009, Donald Trump registered as a Republican again.

2011: Unaffiliated registration

In 2011, Donald Trump registered as unaffiliated.

2012: Registered as Republican again

In 2012, Donald Trump registered as a Republican again.

2015: Net Worth Estimate by Forbes

In 2015, Forbes estimated Trump's net worth at $4.5 billion, based on interviews with more than 80 sources.

2016: Trump Identifies as Presbyterian and Protestant

In 2016, Donald Trump publicly identified himself as both a Presbyterian and a Protestant, marking a moment in his evolving public statements about his religious affiliations.

2017: Trump Files for Reelection

In 2017, Donald Trump filed to run for reelection only a few hours after becoming president.

2017: Americans Doubt Trump's Religious Beliefs

In 2017, during Donald Trump's first presidency (2017-2021), a survey indicated that 63% of Americans did not believe that he was religious despite his claims of Christian affiliation.

2018: Financial Support from Father

Trump received another $413 million (2018 equivalent, adjusted for inflation) from his father's company.

2019: Mar-a-Lago Declared Primary Residence

In 2019, Donald Trump declared Mar-a-Lago club his primary residence.

2019: Primary Residence

Until 2019, Donald Trump used the Trump Tower as his primary residence.

August 2020: Trump Officially Becomes Republican Nominee

In August 2020, Donald Trump officially became the Republican nominee for the presidential election.

2020: Trump Declares Himself a Nondenominational Christian

In 2020, Donald Trump stated that he was a nondenominational Christian, which further fueled discussions about his religious identity and beliefs.

2024: Childhood allowance equivalent in 2024

In 2024, Fred Trump paid his children each about $20,000 a year, equivalent to $265,000 a year.

January 20, 2025: Trump begins his second term

On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump began his second term as president, becoming the oldest to assume the presidency, the first president with a felony conviction, and the second person to serve two nonconsecutive terms.

February 2025: Federal hiring freeze and job terminations

In February 2025, Donald Trump implemented a hiring freeze across the federal government, ordered telework to be discontinued, initiated mass job terminations, and by late February, the administration had fired more than 30,000 people.

May 2025: Aerial campaign against Houthi targets in Yemen

From March to May 2025, Donald Trump launched an extensive aerial campaign against Houthi targets in Yemen, his first major military operation in the Middle East during his second term.

July 2025: One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed into law

In July 2025, Donald Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law, which made the temporary tax cuts of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent and added additional tax deductions. The bill increased funding for national defense, deportations, the border wall, and Trump's proposed Golden Dome missile defense system, and removed tax credits for renewable energy sources.

October 2025: Gaza ceasefire deal signed

In October 2025, Donald Trump's plan for a Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas was signed, leading to the creation of the Board of Peace.

2025: Policy platform (Agenda 47)

Donald Trump's policy platform (Agenda 47) was vague, to limit criticism and maintain flexibility, in 2025.

2025: Value of countersuit settlement in 2025

In 1973, Donald Trump countersued the U.S. government for $100 million (equivalent to $725 million in 2025) over charges of discrimination in his properties.

January 2026: Withdrawal of threats against Greenland

In January 2026, Donald Trump appeared to withdraw both threats of annexation of Greenland and imposition of tariffs on European allies, stating that he had reached "the framework of a future deal" with NATO.

February 2026: Joint U.S./Israeli air strikes on Iran

In February 2026, Donald Trump authorized joint U.S./Israeli air strikes on Iran and sent aircraft carriers and other combat ships to the Middle East. Israeli aerial bombs killed Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei and other Iranian leaders, and Iran retaliated with rocket attacks on neighboring countries.