History of Donald Trump in Timeline
Donald Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th U.S. president (2017-2021). A Republican, he won the 2024 presidential election and is set to be inaugurated as the 47th president on January 20, 2025. As president, Trump pursued populist policies, including tax cuts and deregulation. His term was marked by controversies, including an impeachment inquiry and investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 election. After losing the 2020 election to Joe Biden, Trump continued to maintain a high public profile and repeatedly made false claims of widespread voter fraud. His return to the presidency is expected to be highly consequential.
1900: Low Number of Clemency Grants Compared to Other Presidents
Trump granted a relatively low number of clemency requests compared to most presidents since 1900, except for George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush. Many of the pardons he granted were to individuals with personal or political connections.
1938: Gallup Poll Begins
The Gallup poll, used to track presidential approval ratings, began in 1938. Trump never reached a 50% approval rating in this poll during his presidency.
June 14, 1946: Birth of Donald Trump
Donald Trump was born on June 14, 1946, at Jamaica Hospital in Queens, New York City.
1948: Gallup's Most Admired Man Poll Begins
The Gallup's "Most Admired Man" poll, which has tracked public opinion since 1948, saw Trump become the first elected president not to be named most admired in his first year.
1959: Confirmation at First Presbyterian Church
Donald Trump was confirmed at the First Presbyterian Church in Jamaica, Queens, in 1959.
1964: Fordham University Enrollment
Donald Trump enrolled at Fordham University in 1964.
1966: Medical Exam for Military Service
Donald Trump was deemed fit for military service based on a medical examination in 1966.
May 1968: Wharton Graduation
Donald Trump graduated from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science degree in economics in May 1968.
July 1968: Deemed Eligible for Military Service
In July 1968, a local draft board classified Donald Trump as eligible for military service.
October 1968: Medical Deferment
Donald Trump received a 1-Y medical deferment for bone spurs in October 1968.
1968: College Graduation
Donald Trump graduated with a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Pennsylvania in 1968.
1968: Employment at Trump Management
Trump began working at his father's real estate company, Trump Management, in 1968.
1971: Trump Organization Presidency
Donald Trump became president of his family's real estate business in 1971, renaming it the Trump Organization.
1971: Presidency of Trump Management
Trump became president of Trump Management in 1971 and started using "The Trump Organization" as an umbrella brand.
1972: Permanent Disqualification from Military Service
Donald Trump was reclassified as 4-F, permanently disqualifying him from military service, in 1972.
1973: Countersuit Against US Government
Trump, with Roy Cohn's assistance, countersued the US government in 1973 over discrimination charges.
1973: Justice Department Lawsuit for Housing Discrimination
In 1973, Donald Trump faced a lawsuit from the Department of Justice, alleging discrimination against black renters in his real estate dealings, marking an early legal challenge in his career.
1975: Agreement on Apartment Vacancies
An agreement required Trump's properties to provide a list of apartment vacancies to the New York Urban League in 1975.
1975: Settlement of Housing Discrimination Lawsuit
In 1975, Donald Trump settled a lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice in 1973, which alleged housing discrimination against black renters. This case was one of the early controversies in Trump's career.
1977: First Marriage
Donald Trump married Ivana Zelníčková in 1977.
1978: Commodore Hotel Renovation
Trump gained public attention in 1978 with the renovation of the Commodore Hotel in Manhattan.
1980: Grand Hyatt Hotel Opening and Trump Tower Rights
The Commodore Hotel reopened as the Grand Hyatt Hotel in 1980. In the same year, Trump secured the rights to develop Trump Tower.
1981: Birth of Ivanka Trump
Ivanka Trump was born in 1981.
1982: First Appearance on Forbes List
In 1982, Trump debuted on the Forbes list of wealthy individuals due to his share of his family's estimated $200 million net worth.
1982: Forbes Ranking Dispute
Jonathan Greenberg reported that Forbes had overestimated Trump's wealth and wrongly included him in the 1982 Forbes rankings.
September 1983: New Jersey Generals Purchase
Trump purchased the New Jersey Generals football team in September 1983.
1983: Forbes Ranking Dispute (Continued)
Following the 1982 dispute, Greenberg further alleged that Trump's wealth was overestimated, and his inclusion in the 1983 Forbes rankings was also erroneous.
1984: Impersonation to Inflate Wealth
Donald Trump impersonated "John Barron" in 1984, falsely claiming ownership of over 90% of his father's business to gain a higher ranking on the Forbes 400 list.
1984: Birth of Eric Trump
Eric Trump was born in 1984.
1984: Harrah's at Trump Plaza Opening
Trump opened Harrah's at Trump Plaza, a hotel and casino, in 1984.
1985: Acquisition of Mar-a-Lago
In 1985, Donald Trump purchased the Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida.
1985: Atlantic City Hilton Acquisition
Trump acquired the unopened Atlantic City Hilton Hotel and renamed it Trump Castle in 1985.
1985: USFL Fold
The USFL folded in 1985, partially due to Trump's actions.
1985: Start of Reported Net Losses
From 1985 to 1994, Trump's tax returns revealed net losses totaling $1.17 billion, exceeding those of most American taxpayers.
1985: Film and Television Cameos
In 1985, Donald Trump began appearing in various films and television shows. These appearances spanned until 2001, showcasing him in cameo roles, contributing to his public persona and media presence.
May 1986: Sole Control of Harrah's at Trump Plaza
Trump gained sole control of Harrah's at Trump Plaza in May 1986 after paying Holiday Corporation $70 million.
1986: Stock Transactions
From 1986 to 1988, Trump engaged in stock transactions, initially profiting but later losing gains.
1987: Start of Trump Foundation Donations
Trump began donating to the Donald J. Trump Foundation in 1987.
1987: Republican Party Registration
In 1987, Donald Trump registered as a Republican, beginning a series of party affiliation changes over the years, reflecting his evolving political stance.
1987: Newspaper Advertisements on Foreign Policy
In 1987, Donald Trump placed full-page ads in major newspapers discussing his views on foreign policy and budget deficit reduction, signaling his interest in national issues and public policy.
1987: "The Art of the Deal" Release
Trump's first book, "The Art of the Deal," was released in 1987 and became a bestseller.
1988: Acquisition of Taj Mahal Venue
Trump acquired the venue that would become the Trump Taj Mahal in 1988.
1988: Plaza Hotel Acquisition
Trump acquired the Plaza Hotel in 1988 with a loan from a consortium of sixteen banks.
1988: Eastern Air Lines Shuttle Purchase
Trump purchased the Eastern Air Lines Shuttle and renamed it Trump Shuttle in 1988.
1988: Stock Transactions End
Trump's stock transactions ended in 1988.
1988: Donald J. Trump Foundation Establishment
The Donald J. Trump Foundation was established in 1988.
1988: Approach to Lee Atwater
In 1988, Donald Trump approached Lee Atwater to express interest in being considered as a running mate for Republican nominee George H. W. Bush, although the request was deemed unusual by Bush.
1989: Trump's influence in hip hop music
From 1989 onwards, Donald Trump was mentioned in hundreds of hip hop songs. Initially, he was portrayed in a positive light, reflecting his status as a wealthy businessman. However, this perception changed significantly after he began his political career in 2015.
1989: Joining SAG-AFTRA
In 1989, Donald Trump became a member of SAG-AFTRA, the union for actors and performers, marking his formal association with the entertainment industry.
1989: Accusations of Racism in Central Park Jogger Case
In 1989, Donald Trump was accused of racism for insisting on the guilt of a group of black and Latino teenagers in the Central Park jogger case, even after they were exonerated by DNA evidence in 2002.
1989: Tour de Trump
Trump lent his name to the Tour de Trump cycling race in 1989.
April 1990: Trump Taj Mahal Opening
The Trump Taj Mahal opened in April 1990 after being financed with $675 million in junk bonds.
1990: Divorce from Ivana Zelníčková
Donald Trump and Ivana Zelníčková divorced in 1990.
1990: Tour de Trump (continued)
The Tour de Trump cycling race continued in 1990.
1990: Substantial Financial Losses
Trump reported significant financial losses of more than $250 million in both 1990 and 1991.
1990: Dropped from Forbes List
Trump's financial losses in the 1980s led to his removal from the Forbes list between 1990 and 1995.
1991: Trump Taj Mahal Bankruptcy
The Trump Taj Mahal filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 1991.
1991: First Bankruptcy Filing
Trump's businesses filed for bankruptcy for the first time in 1991.
1991: Trump Shuttle Default
Trump defaulted on loans for Trump Shuttle in 1991, transferring ownership to banks.
1991: Continued Financial Losses
Trump's financial losses continued in 1991, again exceeding $250 million.
1991: First Bankruptcy Filings
Between 1991 and 2009, Trump filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for six of his businesses.
1992: Trump Shuttle Operation Ends
Trump ceased operating the Trump Shuttle airline in 1992.
1992: Bankruptcy of Trump Plaza and Trump Castle
Both Harrah's at Trump Plaza and Trump Castle filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 1992.
1992: Plaza Hotel Bankruptcy
The Plaza Hotel filed for bankruptcy protection in 1992.
1992: All County Building Supply & Maintenance Corp. Formation
Trump and family members formed All County Building Supply & Maintenance Corp. in 1992, allegedly used for marking up service costs for Trump's rental units.
1993: Marriage to Marla Maples and Birth of Tiffany Trump
Donald Trump married Marla Maples, and their daughter, Tiffany Trump, was born in 1993.
1994: Sale of Lincoln Square Project Interest
Due to financial struggles, Trump sold most of his interest in the Lincoln Square development project in 1994.
1994: End of Reported Net Losses
Trump's period of reported net losses ended in 1994, accumulating to a total of $1.17 billion.
1995: Default on Bank Loans and Plaza Hotel Seizure
In 1995, Trump defaulted on over $3 billion in bank loans, leading to the seizure of the Plaza Hotel and other properties by lenders.
1995: Reported Losses
In 1995, Trump reported substantial financial losses of $915.7 million.
1995: Mar-a-Lago Conversion
Trump converted Mar-a-Lago into a private club in 1995.
1995: Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts Founding
Trump founded Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts (THCR) in 1995.
1995: Return to Forbes List
Trump returned to the Forbes list in 1995 after a period of absence due to financial difficulties.
1996: Taj Mahal and Trump Castle Acquisition by THCR
THCR acquired the Taj Mahal and Trump Castle in 1996.
1996: 40 Wall Street Acquisition and Renovation
Trump acquired and renovated the skyscraper at 40 Wall Street, later rebranded as the Trump Building, in 1996.
1996: Miss Universe Ownership
Trump acquired ownership in the Miss Universe pageants from 1996 to 2015.
1999: Trump Organization Golf Course Ventures
The Trump Organization began its golf course business in 1999, acquiring and managing courses worldwide.
1999: Divorce from Marla Maples
Donald Trump and Marla Maples divorced in 1999.
1999: Independence Party Registration
In 1999, Donald Trump registered with the Independence Party, New York's affiliate of the Reform Party, continuing his shifts in political affiliation.
February 2000: Withdrawal from Reform Party Primaries
In February 2000, after three months as a candidate, Donald Trump withdrew from the Reform Party presidential primaries, ending his brief campaign for the presidency.
2001: Democratic Party Registration
In 2001, Donald Trump registered as a Democrat, marking another change in his political registration history.
2001: End of Cameo Appearances
By 2001, Donald Trump's cameo appearances in films and television shows had concluded, marking the end of this particular phase in his media career that began in 1985.
2002: Exoneration in Central Park Jogger Case
In 2002, DNA evidence exonerated a group of black and Latino teenagers accused of raping a white woman in the Central Park jogger case. Donald Trump, however, continued to maintain their guilt, highlighting ongoing accusations of racism against him.
2002: Miss Universe Pageants Move to NBC
In 2002, Trump moved the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants to NBC.
2004: The Apprentice Launch
In 2004, Donald Trump became co-producer and host of the reality show The Apprentice, which portrayed him as a wealthy and successful chief executive. The show was a significant boost to his public image, running until 2015 and earning him substantial revenue.
2004: The Apprentice Premiere
In 2004, Donald Trump began producing and hosting the reality television series, The Apprentice.
2004: Trumped! Radio Program
In 2004, Donald Trump launched his own short-form talk radio program called Trumped!, which ran until 2008. This program allowed Trump to share his views and opinions on various topics with a wide audience.
2004: THCR Bankruptcy
THCR filed for bankruptcy in 2004.
2004: Trump University Founding
Trump co-founded Trump University in 2004, which offered real estate seminars.
2005: Marriage to Melania Knauss
Donald Trump married Melania Knauss in 2005.
2006: Birth of Barron Trump
Barron Trump was born in 2006.
2006: Alleged Affairs with Karen McDougal and Stormy Daniels
Between 2006 and 2007, Trump allegedly had affairs with Playboy model Karen McDougal and adult film actress Stormy Daniels. These affairs would later become the subject of hush-money payments and legal scrutiny.
2006: End of Personal Donations to Trump Foundation
Trump ceased personal donations to the Trump Foundation in 2006.
2007: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
Trump received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2007 for his work on Miss Universe.
2007: Alleged Affairs with Karen McDougal and Stormy Daniels
Between 2006 and 2007, Trump allegedly had affairs with Playboy model Karen McDougal and adult film actress Stormy Daniels. These affairs would later become the subject of hush-money payments and legal scrutiny.
2007: Reduced Donations to Trump Foundation
Trump donated a smaller amount to the Trump Foundation in 2007-2008.
2008: End of Trumped! Radio Program
In 2008, Donald Trump's talk radio program Trumped! came to an end, concluding a four-year stint where he regularly communicated his perspectives to listeners.
2008: Trump International Hotel and Tower (Chicago) Opening
The Trump International Hotel and Tower in Chicago opened in 2008.
2008: End of Trump's Personal Donations to Foundation
Trump stopped making personal donations to his foundation in 2008.
2009: Trump Joins Twitter
In 2009, Donald Trump joined Twitter, a move that would later become a central platform for his communication strategy, allowing him to communicate directly with the public and bypass traditional media.
2009: Republican Re-registration
In 2009, Donald Trump returned to the Republican Party, reflecting another shift in his political affiliations.
2009: Second THCR Bankruptcy and Trump's Resignation
THCR filed for bankruptcy again in 2009, after which Trump resigned as chairman.
2009: Last Bankruptcy Filing
Trump's businesses filed for bankruptcy for the sixth time in 2009.
2009: Last Bankruptcy Filings
Trump's last bankruptcy filings occurred in 2009, bringing the total to six between 1991 and 2009.
2010: Accumulation of Unpaid Loans
Trump began accumulating unpaid loans starting in 2010, eventually totaling $287 million by 2020.
2010: Trump University Name Change
Trump University's name was changed to the Trump Entrepreneur Initiative in 2010 due to legal issues.
February 2011: CPAC Speech
In February 2011, Donald Trump made his first speaking appearance at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), speculating on a presidential run against Barack Obama in the 2012 election.
May 2011: Announcement Not to Run for President
In May 2011, Donald Trump announced he would not run for president in the 2012 election, despite earlier speculation and speeches hinting at a potential candidacy.
2011: Trump Promotes 'Birther' Conspiracy Theory
In 2011, Donald Trump became the leading proponent of the 'birther' conspiracy theory, questioning Barack Obama's birthplace. He claimed credit for pressuring the White House to release Obama's birth certificate, which he continued to question.
2011: Unaffiliated Voter
In 2011, Donald Trump chose to become an unaffiliated voter, stepping away from formal party affiliations.
2011: Guest Commentator on Fox & Friends
Starting in 2011, Donald Trump became a guest commentator on the show Fox & Friends, a role he held until 2015, providing his insights on political and social issues.
2012: Republican Re-registration
In 2012, Donald Trump registered once again as a Republican, solidifying his political identity within the party.
2012: Speculation on Presidential Run
In 2012, there was ongoing speculation about Donald Trump running for president, although he ultimately did not enter the race.
2013: Lawsuit Against Trump University
New York State filed a lawsuit against Trump University in 2013, alleging fraud.
2014: Early Discussions of Non-Disclosure Payments
Federal prosecutors asserted that Trump was involved in discussions about non-disclosure payments as early as 2014, years before the 2016 presidential election.
2014: Trump Administration Weakens Sanctions Against Russia
Following Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea, the Trump administration weakened the U.S. sanctions that had been imposed against Russia.
June 2015: Miss Universe Pageants Dropped
NBC and Univision dropped the Miss Universe pageants in June 2015.
June 2015: Presidential Candidacy Announcement
In June 2015, Donald Trump announced his candidacy for the U.S. presidency. Initially underestimated by analysts, he quickly gained popularity and became a leading figure in the Republican primary race.
July 2015: Financial Disclosure and Net Worth Announcement
In July 2015, Donald Trump filed a financial disclosure report with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and announced a net worth of approximately $10 billion. The FEC records indicated at least $1.4 billion in assets and $265 million in liabilities.
August 2015: Trump's Influence on Violent Incidents
Starting in August 2015, Donald Trump's rhetoric during his campaign encouraged or praised physical attacks against protesters and reporters. This rhetoric was later cited in numerous criminal cases involving violence and hate crimes.
2015: Release of Physician's Letter
Donald Trump's campaign released a letter from his physician in 2015, stating Trump would be "the healthiest individual ever elected to the presidency".
2015: End of The Apprentice and Legal Threats to Educational Institutions
In 2015, Donald Trump's time on The Apprentice ended, and his lawyer threatened legal action against his educational institutions if they released his academic records.
2015: Proposed Ban on Muslim Foreigners
Following the 2015 San Bernardino attack, Trump proposed a ban on Muslim foreigners entering the U.S., a proposal that later evolved into a ban targeting countries with a "proven history of terrorism."
2015: Net Worth Peak
In 2015, Trump's net worth reached a peak of $4.5 billion, according to Forbes.
2015: Iran Nuclear Deal
The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal, was signed in 2015 and restricted the Iranian nuclear program in exchange for lifting economic sanctions.
2015: End of The Apprentice
In 2015, Donald Trump's role as co-producer and host of The Apprentice ended, concluding over a decade of a television presence that significantly reshaped his public image and added to his wealth.
2015: Legal Threats to Release of Academic Records
In 2015, Donald Trump's lawyer threatened legal action against institutions holding his academic records should they be released.
2015: Religious Affiliation Claim
In 2015, Donald Trump stated he was a Presbyterian and attended Marble Collegiate Church, though the church stated he wasn't an active member.
2015: End of Fox & Friends Commentary
In 2015, Donald Trump concluded his role as a guest commentator on Fox & Friends, ending a four-year period of regular appearances on the show.
March 2016: Republican Front-runner Status
By March 2016, Donald Trump had emerged as the front-runner in the Republican presidential nomination race, defying initial skepticism and garnering widespread voter support.
July 2016: Crossfire Hurricane Investigation Launched
In July 2016, the FBI launched an investigation codenamed "Crossfire Hurricane" to explore potential connections between the Trump campaign and Russia.
August 2016: Steve Bannon Hired as Campaign CEO
In August 2016, Donald Trump hired Steve Bannon, executive chairman of Breitbart News, as his campaign CEO. This move was significant as Breitbart was known for being a platform for the alt-right movement, which supported Trump's candidacy.
September 2016: Trump Acknowledges Obama's Birth in the U.S.
In September 2016, amid pressure, Donald Trump publicly acknowledged that Barack Obama was born in the United States, after years of promoting the 'birther' conspiracy theory that claimed otherwise.
October 2016: Release of Trump's 'hot mic' recording
In October 2016, a 2005 'hot mic' recording surfaced just two days before the second presidential debate, where Donald Trump was heard bragging about kissing and groping women without their consent. This revelation caused significant controversy and backlash during his presidential campaign.
October 2016: Discussions and calls regarding non-disclosure payments
In October 2016, Trump engaged in calls with Michael Cohen related to hush-money payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. The FBI believed these calls indicated Trump's direct involvement in the payments, which were aimed at suppressing news of an alleged affair before the 2016 presidential election.
October 2016: Presidential Debates with Hillary Clinton
In October 2016, Donald Trump participated in three presidential debates against Hillary Clinton. During these debates, he notably refused to commit to accepting the election results if he lost.
October 2016: Leak of 1995 Tax Filings
In October 2016, portions of Donald Trump's 1995 state tax filings were leaked, revealing a declared loss of $916 million. This disclosure suggested he could have avoided taxes for up to 18 years, sparking controversy during his presidential campaign.
November 8, 2016: Presidential Election Victory
On November 8, 2016, Donald Trump won the U.S. presidential election with 306 pledged electoral votes. Despite losing the popular vote, his victory was considered a major political upset, as pre-election polls had favored Hillary Clinton.
December 2016: Trump Foundation Dissolution Announcement
Trump announced the dissolution of the Trump Foundation in December 2016.
December 29, 2016: Flynn's Contact with Russian Ambassador
On December 29, 2016, Michael Flynn spoke with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak about sanctions, leading to Flynn's later resignation.
2016: Trump's Social Media Strategy in 2016 Campaign
During the 2016 campaign, Donald Trump frequently used Twitter to engage with the public, which attracted worldwide attention and helped shape his media presence.
2016: Rigged Election Claims Begin
Trump began making "rigged election" claims during the 2016 presidential campaign, a rhetoric he would continue and intensify in subsequent elections.
2016: First Presidential Election Win
Donald Trump won the 2016 presidential election, defeating Hillary Clinton.
2016: Proposed Immigration Policies
During his 2016 campaign, Trump's proposed immigration policies, including building a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border and deporting millions of illegal immigrants, became a central and controversial issue.
2016: Racist Appeals During 2016 Campaign
During his 2016 presidential campaign, Donald Trump made explicitly racist appeals, including derogatory comments about Mexican immigrants, which drew widespread criticism and highlighted racial tensions in his campaign strategy.
2016: Campaign Promise to Repeal and Replace the ACA
During his 2016 presidential campaign, Trump vowed to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA), a key component of his healthcare platform.
2016: Michael Cohen Guilty Plea
Trump's former attorney, Michael Cohen, pleaded guilty to lying to Congress regarding Trump's efforts in 2016 to secure a deal with Russia for a Trump Tower in Moscow.
2016: Trump University Settlement
Trump settled lawsuits related to Trump University for $25 million in 2016.
2016: Scope of Mueller Investigation
The special counsel investigation also examined potential obstruction of justice related to Trump's firing of James Comey and explored possible ties between the Trump campaign and several countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Turkey, Qatar, Israel, and China, regarding Russian interference in the 2016 election.
2016: Hush Money Payments and Election Interference Allegations
During the 2016 election, Trump allegedly made hush money payments to conceal affairs, leading to accusations of election interference and subsequent legal battles.
2016: Russian Interference in the 2016 Election
The Mueller Report, released in April 2019, detailed Russia's extensive interference in the 2016 election and highlighted how Trump and his campaign welcomed the interference.
2016: Russian Interference in the 2016 Presidential Election
The 2016 presidential election, which Trump won, was marred by controversy due to the interference from Russia.
2016: Pressure on Zelenskyy related to 2016 Election
Taylor's testimony also indicated that Zelenskyy was being pressured to investigate rumors surrounding Ukrainian involvement in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
2016: Russian Interference in the 2016 Election
In 2016, the Russian government interfered in the U.S. presidential election.
2016: Trump's Approval Ratings Compared to Obama
In 2016, a Gallup poll across 134 countries compared the approval ratings of U.S. leadership under Donald Trump and Barack Obama. Trump led Obama in job approval in only 29 countries, mostly non-democracies. Approval of U.S. leadership significantly dropped among allies and G7 countries, with overall ratings similar to those during the last two years of George W. Bush's presidency.
2016: Support for Interrogation Torture Methods
In 2016, Trump expressed support for the use of interrogation torture methods, including waterboarding, sparking controversy and debate.
2016: Trump's Media Strategy in 2016 Campaign
In 2016, Donald Trump benefited from a record amount of free media coverage during his campaign, which boosted his visibility and standing in the Republican primaries. This media attention played a significant role in his campaign strategy.
2016: Minimal Income Tax Payments
In 2016 and 2017, Trump paid only $750 in income taxes, utilizing tax credits for business losses.
2016: Supreme Court Appointments
During the 2016 presidential campaign, Trump pledged to appoint anti-abortion justices to the Supreme Court.
2016: Conspiracy Theory about Ukrainian Interference
During the 2016 election, Trump and his allies promoted a conspiracy theory about Ukrainian, not Russian, election interference.
2016: Trump's Campaign Rhetoric and Violence
During his 2016 campaign, Donald Trump was noted for encouraging physical attacks against protesters and reporters, contributing to an increase in hate crimes linked to his rhetoric.
January 2017: U.S. Troop Levels in Afghanistan at 8,500
At the start of 2017, there were 8,500 U.S. troops stationed in Afghanistan.
January 2017: Intelligence Agencies Report Russian Interference
In January 2017, U.S. intelligence agencies reported with "high confidence" that Russia interfered in the 2016 election to favor Trump.
January 20, 2017: Presidential Inauguration
Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 45th President of the United States on January 20, 2017. During his first week, he signed several executive orders addressing issues like healthcare, trade, and border security.
January 27, 2017: Executive Order 13769: Travel Ban
On January 27, 2017, Trump signed Executive Order 13769, which temporarily banned entry to the U.S. for citizens of several Muslim-majority countries. The order sparked immediate chaos, protests, and legal challenges, leading to nationwide preliminary injunctions.
February 2017: Seizure of Medical Records
In February 2017, three of Trump's agents seized the medical records of his physician, Harold Bornstein.
March 2017: FBI Investigation into Russian Interference
In March 2017, the FBI announced an investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election and any links between the Trump campaign and Russia.
April 2017: Missile Strikes in Syria
In April 2017, Trump ordered missile strikes against the Assad regime in Syria following a chemical attack.
May 9, 2017: Dismissal of James Comey
On May 9, 2017, Trump dismissed FBI Director James Comey.
May 2017: Trump's Meeting with Kislyak and Lavrov
In May 2017, Trump told Kislyak and Lavrov he was unconcerned about Russian election interference.
May 2017: Mueller Appointed Special Counsel
In May 2017, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein appointed Robert Mueller as special counsel to investigate "any links and/or coordination between the Russian government and the Trump campaign".
May 2017: Comey Firing and New Investigation
Following Trump's dismissal of FBI Director James Comey in May 2017, the FBI initiated a counterintelligence investigation into Trump's personal and business interactions with Russia.
June 2017: Supreme Court Ruling on Travel Ban
In June 2017, the Supreme Court ruled that the travel ban could be enforced on visitors lacking a "bona fide relationship" with a person or entity in the United States.
June 2017: Tweets as Official Presidential Statements
In June 2017, the White House press secretary declared that Donald Trump's tweets were to be considered official presidential statements, highlighting the significant role social media played during his presidency.
September 2017: Resignation of Tom Price
Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price resigned in September 2017 due to controversy over his use of private jets.
September 24, 2017: Presidential Proclamation 9645: Revised Travel Ban
On September 24, 2017, Trump issued a revised travel ban, expanding the list of targeted countries and adding restrictions on certain Venezuelan officials.
October 2017: Sub-Cabinet Positions without Nominees
In October 2017, hundreds of sub-cabinet positions lacked nominees.
December 4, 2017: Supreme Court Allows Travel Ban to Take Effect
The Supreme Court allowed the revised travel ban to go into full effect on December 4, 2017, after lower courts had partially blocked it.
December 2017: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Signed
In December 2017, Donald Trump signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which reduced tax rates for businesses and individuals. The act was passed without Democratic support and was a significant legislative achievement of his administration.
2017: Key Events During First Presidential Term
In 2017, during his first term, President Trump enacted several policies including a travel ban, implemented a family separation policy at the border, and signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. He also appointed Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court.
2017: First Term as President
Donald Trump served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
2017: Arms Deal with Saudi Arabia
In 2017, Trump signed a $110 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia.
2017: Controversial Comments on Unite the Right Rally
In 2017, Donald Trump's comments on the Unite the Right rally, where he condemned violence "on many sides" and mentioned "very fine people on both sides", were widely criticized for implying moral equivalence between white supremacist demonstrators and counter-protesters.
2017: Reimbursement of Cohen
In 2017, Trump reimbursed Michael Cohen for the hush-money payment made to Stormy Daniels, despite denying knowledge of the payment's purpose during the 2016 election.
2017: Net Worth Decline Continues
Trump's net worth continued to decline in 2017, reaching $3.1 billion.
2017: Second in Most Admired Man Poll
Trump placed second to Barack Obama in the 2017 Gallup's "Most Admired Man" poll.
2017: Increase in Family Separations at U.S.-Mexico Border
Starting in 2017 and escalating significantly in the summer of that year, the Trump administration saw a marked increase in the number of migrant families separated at the U.S.-Mexico border.
2017: Minimal Income Tax Payments (Continued)
Similar to 2016, Trump again paid a minimal $750 in income taxes in 2017.
2017: North Korea's Nuclear Threat Intensifies
In 2017, the threat posed by North Korea's nuclear weapons program was increasingly perceived as serious and concerning.
2017: Decline in U.S. Leadership Approval
In 2017, the global perception of U.S. leadership under Donald Trump showed a significant decline, according to Gallup. Trump's approval ratings were lower than those of his predecessor, Barack Obama, especially among democratic nations and allies.
2017: Trump Withdraws U.S. from TPP, Imposes Tariffs
In 2017, the Trump administration withdrew the United States from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations and imposed tariffs on imported steel and aluminum.
2017: Press Briefings under Trump Administration
In 2017, the Trump White House held around a hundred formal press briefings. However, these briefings declined significantly in subsequent years, reflecting the administration's changing approach to media engagement.
2017: Trump and Kim Jong Un Exchange Heated Rhetoric
In 2017, tensions escalated between the U.S. and North Korea as Trump and Kim Jong Un exchanged heated rhetoric, with Trump demanding North Korea's "complete denuclearization".
2017: Trump's Continued Private Birther Views
In 2017, reports suggested that Donald Trump privately continued to express 'birther' views, despite having publicly acknowledged Barack Obama's U.S. birth the previous year.
2017: Executive Order 13771 and Deregulation
In 2017, Donald Trump signed Executive Order 13771, aiming to reduce federal regulations. The order required agencies to identify two regulations for elimination for every new one introduced. Trump's administration significantly deregulated various sectors, including health, labor, and the environment. However, a large percentage of these deregulation efforts faced legal challenges and were ultimately blocked.
January 2018: Remarks on "Shithole Countries"
In January 2018, Donald Trump reportedly referred to El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, and African nations as "shithole countries" during a discussion on immigration legislation. These remarks were condemned as racist and sparked significant controversy.
April 2018: Second Missile Strikes in Syria
Trump ordered a second round of missile strikes against Syria in April 2018, again in response to a chemical weapons attack.
April 2018: Trump Administration Announces "Zero Tolerance" Policy
In April 2018, the Trump administration announced its "zero tolerance" policy for illegal immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border. This resulted in the separation of migrant children from their parents, as adults were detained and prosecuted.
May 2018: Withdrawal from Iran Nuclear Deal
In May 2018, the Trump administration withdrew the US from the Iran nuclear deal.
June 2018: Trump Signs Executive Order to End Family Separations
In June 2018, facing immense public pressure, President Trump signed an executive order aimed at stopping the separation of families at the border. The order called for families to be detained together, barring specific concerns about the child's safety.
June 2018: Lawsuit Against Trump Foundation
A lawsuit was filed against the Trump Foundation, Trump, and his adult children in June 2018.
June 2018: Legal Challenge to the Affordable Care Act
In June 2018, the Trump administration, along with several Republican-led states, argued before the Supreme Court that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was unconstitutional after the elimination of the individual mandate's financial penalties. This legal challenge, if successful, could have resulted in millions losing health insurance coverage.
June 26, 2018: Judge Sabraw Orders Reunification of Separated Migrant Families
On June 26, 2018, Judge Dana Sabraw ordered the Trump administration to reunite the separated migrant families and to cease family separations except under specific circumstances. The ruling came after it was revealed the administration had no effective system for tracking separated children or facilitating family communication.
July 2018: High Staff Turnover
By July 2018, the Trump administration had experienced a high turnover rate among White House staff, exceeding previous administrations.
October 2018: Net Worth Decline and Tax Fraud Allegations
In October 2018, Forbes estimated a decline in Trump's net worth from $4.5 billion in 2015 to $3.1 billion in 2017, alongside a decrease in product-licensing income. Reports also emerged of alleged tax fraud by Trump and his family, leading to an investigation by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.
December 2018: John Kelly Resignation
White House Chief of Staff John Kelly resigned in December 2018.
December 2018: Trump Foundation Ceases Operation
The Trump Foundation ceased operation and disbursed its remaining assets in December 2018.
December 2018: Start of Longest Government Shutdown in U.S. History
In December 2018, a dispute over funding for the border wall led to the beginning of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. The shutdown, which lasted until January 2019, stemmed from Trump's refusal to sign any appropriations bill without wall funding.
December 2018: Troop Withdrawal from Syria & Mattis Resignation
In December 2018, Trump declared victory against ISIS and ordered a withdrawal of troops from Syria, leading to the resignation of Secretary of Defense, James Mattis.
2018: Trump's Media Dominance Noted by Author
In 2018, Amy Chozick of The New York Times noted that Donald Trump's media dominance captivated the public, creating "must-see TV" and maintaining his visibility in the political landscape.
2018: Trump Launches Trade War with China
In 2018, Trump initiated a trade war with China by increasing tariffs on a large quantity of Chinese goods imported into the U.S.
2018: Decline in Trump-Branded Products
By 2018, only two consumer goods companies continued to license the Trump name.
2018: Decline in Press Briefings
By 2018, the number of formal press briefings held by the Trump administration had halved compared to the previous year, indicating a reduced interaction with the media.
2018: Trump-Putin Helsinki Summit
During the 2018 Helsinki Summit, Trump publicly accepted Putin's denial of Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, contradicting the findings of U.S. intelligence agencies.
2018: Scott Pruitt Resignation
EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt resigned in 2018 following numerous ethics investigations.
2018: Net Worth Decline
Forbes estimated that Trump's net worth declined by $1.4 billion between 2015 and 2018.
2018: Physician's Statement on Dictated Letter
In 2018, Harold Bornstein claimed Donald Trump had dictated the contents of the 2015 letter about his health.
2018: Legal Actions Report
USA Today reported Trump and his businesses had been involved in over 4,000 legal actions by 2018.
2018: Report on "John Barron" Impersonation
In 2018, journalist Jonathan Greenberg revealed that Trump had impersonated a fictional Trump Organization official named "John Barron" in 1984 to inflate his wealth and influence Forbes' rankings.
2018: First Meeting Between a Sitting U.S. President and a North Korean Leader
Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to meet with a North Korean leader when he met with Kim Jong Un in Singapore in 2018.
2018: Deployment of Troops to the U.S.-Mexico Border
Starting in 2018, the Trump administration deployed thousands of troops to the U.S.-Mexico border in an effort to deter Central American migrants seeking asylum.
2018: Cohen's Guilty Plea
Michael Cohen pleaded guilty in 2018 to campaign finance violations, stating he arranged hush-money payments to influence the 2016 election under Trump's direction.
2018: Media's Approach to Trump's Falsehoods
In 2018, the media began to more frequently refer to Donald Trump's false statements as lies, marking a shift from previous years when such language was rarely used even when he repeated demonstrably false claims.
2018: US Support for Saudi Intervention in Yemen
In 2018, the US provided logistical and intelligence support to the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen.
2018: Second in Most Admired Man Poll
Trump placed second to Barack Obama in the 2018 Gallup's "Most Admired Man" poll.
2018: Legislation to Increase Funding for Drug Treatments
In 2018, amidst the opioid crisis, Trump signed legislation to increase funding for drug treatments, aiming to address the growing epidemic.
2018: Ranked Worst President by APSA
In 2018, surveys of the American Political Science Association ranked Trump as the worst president in American history.
2018: Trump's Strategy to Discredit the Media
In 2018, journalist Lesley Stahl reported that Donald Trump privately admitted to discrediting the media intentionally. He aimed to undermine the credibility of negative stories about him, so the public would not believe them.
January 8, 2019: Unfilled Positions in Executive Branch
As of January 8, 2019, a large number of sub-cabinet positions in the executive branch remained unfilled.
January 2019: Ryan Zinke Resignation
Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke resigned in January 2019 amid multiple investigations.
January 2019: End of Government Shutdown, No Wall Funding Secured
In January 2019, the government shutdown concluded with a temporary funding bill that provided delayed payments to government workers, but did not include any funds for Trump's proposed border wall.
February 2019: Trump Signs Funding Bill, Declares National Emergency
In February 2019, Trump signed a funding bill which included money for border fencing. He also declared a national emergency to secure additional funding for the wall, a move that sparked legal challenges.
March 2019: Trump Lifts Sanctions Against North Korea
Against the advice of his Treasury Department, Trump lifted some U.S. sanctions against North Korea in March 2019.
March 2019: Mueller Report Submission and Barr's Summary
Mueller delivered his final report to Attorney General William Barr in March 2019. Barr's summary of the report was later criticized by a federal court and Mueller himself for misrepresenting the investigation's findings.
April 2019: Subpoenas for Financial Records
In April 2019, the House Oversight Committee issued subpoenas for Trump's financial records from Deutsche Bank, Capital One, and Mazars USA. Trump sued to block the disclosures.
April 2019: Mueller Report Released
The release of a redacted version of the Mueller report in April 2019 concluded that although Russia interfered in the 2016 election to benefit Trump, there was no conclusive evidence of conspiracy or coordination between the Trump campaign and Russia.
May 2019: Pence's Ukraine Trip Cancelled
The whistleblower complaint suggested that part of a wider campaign by the Trump administration may have included cancelling Vice President Pence's trip to Ukraine in May 2019.
June 2019: Supreme Court Upholds Travel Ban
In June 2019, the Supreme Court ultimately upheld the travel ban in its final ruling.
June 2019: Taylor's Testimony on Ukraine Pressure
William B. Taylor Jr., the chargé d'affaires for Ukraine, testified in October that soon after he arrived in Ukraine in June 2019, he discovered Zelenskyy was under pressure orchestrated by Trump and Giuliani to investigate the company that employed Hunter Biden.
July 2019: Trump's controversial tweets about congresswomen
In July 2019, Donald Trump tweeted that four Democratic congresswomen, all minorities and three of whom are native-born Americans, should 'go back' to the countries they 'came from'. This comment was widely condemned, and two days later, the House of Representatives voted 240–187 to censure his 'racist comments'. Despite the criticism, Trump continued to make similar remarks during his 2020 campaign.
July 2019: Alleged Withholding of Aid to Ukraine
The whistleblower complaint, filed in August 2019, also alleged that the White House had attempted a cover-up and that the phone call was a component of a broader campaign potentially involving withholding financial aid from Ukraine in July 2019.
August 2019: Whistleblower Complaint Filed
In August 2019, a whistleblower filed a complaint concerning Trump's July 25 phone call with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, alleging that Trump had pressured Zelenskyy to investigate Biden and his son.
October 2019: Withdrawal of Troops from Northern Syria and Turkish Invasion
Following a conversation with Turkish President Erdoğan, Trump withdrew US troops from Northern Syria in October 2019, paving the way for a Turkish invasion.
October 2019: Breakdown of U.S.-North Korea Talks
Negotiations between the U.S. and North Korea broke down in October 2019 after only one day, failing to achieve a denuclearization agreement.
November 2019: Abandonment of Gun Legislation Efforts
Despite earlier statements about proposing gun-related legislation following mass shootings, Trump abandoned these efforts in November 2019.
November 2019: Trump Ordered to Pay Restitution
Trump was ordered to pay $2 million for misusing Trump Foundation funds in November 2019.
2019: Mar-a-Lago Primary Residence
In 2019, Trump declared Mar-a-Lago his primary residence.
2019: Tied for First in Most Admired Man Poll
Trump tied with Barack Obama for first place in the 2019 Gallup's "Most Admired Man" poll.
2019: Carroll I Defamation Case Filed
E. Jean Carroll filed her initial defamation lawsuit ("Carroll I") against Trump in 2019. This separate lawsuit resulted in a significant financial judgment against Trump in 2024.
2019: Trump Maintains Stance on Central Park Jogger Case
As of 2019, Donald Trump continued to assert the guilt of the black and Latino teenagers involved in the 1989 Central Park jogger case, despite their exoneration, which led to continued accusations of racial bias against him.
2019: Move from Trump Tower
Trump moved his primary residence from Trump Tower in 2019.
2019: Surge in Opioid Overdose Deaths
Despite increased funding for treatment, the U.S. experienced a record high number of opioid overdose deaths in 2019.
2019: Appointment of Paula White
Donald Trump appointed Paula White to the White House Office of Public Liaison in 2019.
2019: Increase in Federal Budget Deficit
By 2019, under Donald Trump's administration, the federal budget deficit increased by almost 50% to nearly $1 trillion. This fiscal development occurred amid promises of significant infrastructure spending which ultimately were not fulfilled.
2019: Troop Deployment to Saudi Arabia and UAE
Following attacks on Saudi oil facilities in 2019, Trump deployed additional troops to Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
2019: First Impeachment
In 2019, Donald Trump was impeached for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, though the senate later acquitted him.
2019: Closure of Federal Investigation
In 2019, federal prosecutors closed their investigation into the hush-money payments, but the matter was later reopened by New York state authorities.
2019: Significant Decline in Press Briefings
In 2019, the Trump administration held only two formal press briefings, marking a dramatic decline in media engagement compared to previous years.
2019: Trump Campaign Fundraising
In his first two years, Trump's reelection committee raised substantial funds, starting 2019 with a considerable cash reserve.
January 1, 2020: Killing of Qasem Soleimani
On January 1, 2020, Trump ordered an airstrike that killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani.
January 2020: Impeachment Trial Arguments
During Trump's impeachment trial in January 2020, House impeachment managers argued that Trump's actions constituted abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, aligning with the founding fathers' intentions for impeachment.
January 2020: Consideration of Cuts to Social Safety-Net Programs
Despite campaign promises to protect Medicare and other social programs, in January 2020, Trump expressed willingness to consider cuts to these programs.
January 20, 2020: First Confirmed COVID-19 Case
The first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the US was reported on January 20, 2020.
January 29, 2020: Establishment of White House Coronavirus Task Force
On January 29, 2020, Donald Trump established the White House Coronavirus Task Force.
January 31, 2020: COVID-19 Declared Public Health Emergency
On January 31, 2020, the COVID-19 outbreak was declared a public health emergency.
February 2020: Stone Sentencing
Roger Stone was sentenced to 40 months in prison in February 2020 for lying to Congress and witness tampering, with the judge suggesting Stone covered up for Trump.
February 2020: Onset of COVID-19 Recession
In February 2020, the economic expansion in the United States that had begun in 2009 ended with the onset of the COVID-19 recession, impacting the economic landscape during Donald Trump's presidency.
February 2020: Trump Administration Signs Peace Agreement with the Taliban
In February 2020, the Trump administration signed a peace agreement with the Taliban, setting the stage for the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan under certain conditions.
February 2020: Trump's Public Statements on COVID-19
In February 2020, Trump publicly downplayed the severity of the COVID-19 outbreak.
March 2020: Trump Begins Criticizing China's Handling of COVID-19
In March 2020, after initial praise, Trump began to publicly criticize China's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
March 2020: Mark Meadows Appointed Chief of Staff
Mark Meadows replaced Mick Mulvaney as White House Chief of Staff in March 2020.
March 19, 2020: Trump Downplays COVID-19
Trump admitted to downplaying the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic to Bob Woodward on March 19, 2020.
April 2020: Link Between Trump's Rhetoric and Violence
By April 2020, Trump's rhetoric had been cited in numerous criminal cases, with defendants invoking his influence as a defense in acts of violence or threats, mostly against minorities.
April 2020: Anti-Lockdown Protests and Reopening Push
In April 2020, Trump encouraged anti-lockdown protests and pushed for the reopening of nonessential businesses, despite not meeting his administration's guidelines.
May 2020: Trump's Rhetoric Linked to Hate Crimes
In May 2020, a nationwide review by ABC News identified at least 54 criminal cases from August 2015 to April 2020 in which Donald Trump's rhetoric was cited in connection with acts of violence or threats, primarily by white men against minorities. Defendants in these cases often argued for leniency by referencing Trump's influence.
May 2020: Twitter Begins Fact-Checking Trump's Tweets
In May 2020, Twitter started tagging some of Donald Trump's tweets with fact-checks, responding to criticism for allowing misinformation. This move sparked backlash from Trump, who accused social media platforms of silencing conservatives and threatened to regulate or shut them down.
June 2020: Controversial Removal of Protesters and Photo-Op
In June 2020, during the George Floyd protests, federal law enforcement officials used force to remove protesters from Lafayette Square near the White House. Trump then held a photo-op at a nearby church, drawing criticism from religious leaders and others.
July 2020: U.S. Imposes Sanctions on Chinese Officials for Human Rights Abuses
In July 2020, the Trump administration imposed sanctions and visa restrictions on several Chinese officials as a response to the ongoing human rights abuses against the Uyghur minority in Xinjiang.
July 2020: Downplaying Pandemic and Insisting on In-Person Education
In July 2020, despite rising COVID-19 cases, Trump downplayed the pandemic's severity, falsely claiming 99% of cases were "totally harmless," and insisted on states resuming in-person education.
July 2020: Criticism and Proposed Withdrawal from WHO
In July 2020, Trump accused the WHO of mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic and announced his intention to withdraw funding and formally withdraw the U.S. from the organization.
July 2020: Trump Campaign's Financial Position
By July 2020, the Trump campaign and the Republican Party had spent a significant portion of their raised funds, leading to a diminished cash advantage over Biden and impacting their advertising budget.
July 2020: Pandemic Response as Election Issue
By July 2020, Trump's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic became a major election issue, with polls showing disapproval of his response.
July 2020: USMCA Takes Effect
In July 2020, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the successor to NAFTA, came into effect after being renegotiated by the Trump administration.
August 2020: Trump Officially Becomes Republican Nominee
Trump officially secured the Republican nomination for the 2020 presidential election in August 2020 after launching his reelection campaign shortly after assuming office.
August 2020: Attempt to Reimpose UN Sanctions on Iran
The Trump administration attempted to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran in August 2020.
August 2020: COVID-19 Testing Controversy
In August 2020, controversy arose over changes to CDC testing guidelines, influenced by the Trump administration, advising against testing for asymptomatic individuals exposed to the virus.
August 2020: Rollback of Anti-Discrimination Protections Halted
In August 2020, Trump's attempts to roll back anti-discrimination protections for transgender patients and LGBTQ individuals in the workplace were halted by legal challenges, including a Supreme Court ruling extending civil rights protections to gender identity and sexual orientation.
September 2020: Record Partisan Gap in Approval Ratings
Until September 2020, Trump's approval ratings remained unusually stable despite a record partisan gap.
October 2, 2020: Trump Tests Positive for COVID-19 and Hospitalization
On October 2, 2020, Trump announced he tested positive for COVID-19 and was hospitalized at Walter Reed due to fever and breathing difficulties.
November 2020: Concerns over Potential Coup Attempt
In November 2020, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley and CIA director Gina Haspel expressed concerns regarding a potential coup attempt or military action against China or Iran due to Trump's appointment of loyalists in the Pentagon.
December 2020: Pentagon on Red Alert
Newsweek reported in December 2020 that the Pentagon was on high alert, with officials discussing potential responses if Trump declared martial law. The Pentagon denied the military's involvement in election outcomes.
2020: Expansion of the Public Charge Rule
In 2020, the Trump administration expanded the public charge rule, making it harder for immigrants who might use government benefits to obtain permanent residency.
2020: Efforts to Overturn Election
In 2020, Trump engaged in efforts to overturn the election results, leading to indictments in 2023.
2020: Trump Sows Doubts About Election Integrity
Starting in Spring 2020, Trump began questioning the integrity of the upcoming election, making unsubstantiated claims about rigging and mail-in ballot fraud. He blocked postal service funding and refused to commit to accepting the election results, raising concerns about a peaceful transition of power.
2020: Abraham Accords
In 2020, the Trump administration hosted the signing of the Abraham Accords, normalizing relations between Israel and several Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.
2020: Low Confidence in Trump in Global Poll
By mid-2020, only 16 percent of international respondents in a 13-nation Pew Research poll expressed confidence in Donald Trump as a leader. This percentage was lower than the confidence expressed for leaders like China's Xi Jinping and Russia's Vladimir Putin, indicating global skepticism towards Trump's leadership.
2020: Loss of Presidential Election
Donald Trump lost the 2020 presidential election to Joe Biden.
2020: Promotion of Election Conspiracy Theories
During and following the 2020 presidential election, Donald Trump promoted several conspiracy theories regarding his defeat. These included claims of dead people voting, voting machines altering votes, fraudulent mail-in voting, and the discovery of fake ballots for Joe Biden.
2020: Post-Presidency Influence and Fundraising
Following the 2020 election, Trump remained influential within the Republican party, raising significant funds and focusing on election procedures and officials who resisted his attempts to overturn the 2020 results.
2020: Trump's Disinformation on COVID-19 and Voting
In 2020, Donald Trump became a major source of disinformation regarding mail-in voting and the COVID-19 pandemic. His attacks on the integrity of mail-in ballots and other election practices weakened public faith in the 2020 presidential election. Additionally, his misinformation about the pandemic delayed and weakened the national response.
2020: Identification as Non-denominational Christian
In 2020, Donald Trump stated he identified as a non-denominational Christian.
2020: Tax Information Released by The New York Times
In 2020, The New York Times obtained and released Trump's tax information spanning two decades, revealing reported losses of hundreds of millions of dollars and unpaid loans of $287 million since 2010.
2020: False Election Claims and "The Big Lie"
In 2020, Trump began making false claims about the election, which were widely referred to as "the big lie" by critics and the press.
2020: Trump's Legal Actions Against News Outlets
In early 2020, Donald Trump's campaign filed defamation lawsuits against The New York Times, The Washington Post, and CNN over opinion pieces on Russian election interference. All lawsuits were dismissed, illustrating Trump's confrontational approach towards the media.
2020: Debt Breakdown
In 2020, Trump's debt included $640 million to banks and trust organizations and approximately $450 million to unknown creditors. His assets, however, still exceeded his debt.
2020: First in Most Admired Man Poll
Trump took first place in the 2020 Gallup's "Most Admired Man" poll.
2020: Rigged Election Claims Continue
Trump continued to claim a rigged election during the 2020 presidential race, escalating the rhetoric from his 2016 campaign.
January 6, 2021: Capitol Attack
On January 6, 2021, following President Trump's urging, his supporters marched to and attacked the U.S. Capitol.
January 11, 2021: Second Impeachment Proceedings Begin
On January 11, 2021, an article of impeachment was introduced, charging Trump with inciting insurrection against the U.S. government.
January 2021: Removal of Government Materials
Upon leaving the White House in January 2021, Trump took government materials with him to Mar-a-Lago.
February 10, 2021: Georgia Investigation into Election Interference
On February 10, 2021, Georgia prosecutors launched a criminal investigation into Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 election results in the state.
February 2021: Trump Media & Technology Group Founded
Trump registered Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG) in February 2021 to provide social networking services.
February 2021: Resignation from SAG-AFTRA
In February 2021, Donald Trump resigned from SAG-AFTRA, the union he had been a member of since 1989, to avoid a disciplinary hearing related to the January 6 attack. Shortly after, the union permanently barred him from membership.
May 2021: NARA Requests Missing Documents
By May 2021, the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) noticed missing documents and requested Trump's office to locate them.
May 2021: "Big Lie" Co-option
In May 2021, Trump and his supporters attempted to co-opt the term "big lie," previously used to describe his false election claims, to refer to the 2020 election itself.
July 2021: Formal Withdrawal from WHO
In July 2021, the U.S. formally withdrew from the WHO following Trump's announcement the previous year.
October 2021: Debt Exceeding $1.3 Billion
As of October 2021, Trump's debt exceeded $1.3 billion, a significant portion of which was secured by his assets.
2021: Reduction in Refugee Admissions
Trump drastically reduced the number of refugees admitted to the United States, setting record low limits in 2020 and 2021.
2021: Ranked Fourth-Worst President
In a 2021 C-SPAN survey, historians ranked Trump as the fourth-worst president in U.S. history.
2021: Revelation of Seriousness of Trump's COVID-19 Condition
In 2021, it was revealed that Trump's COVID-19 condition in October 2020 was far more serious than initially reported, with dangerously low blood oxygen levels and lung infiltrates.
2021: End of First Presidential Term
Donald Trump's first presidential term ended in 2021.
2021: New York State Investigations Begin
The New York State Attorney General's Office and Manhattan District Attorney's Office opened criminal investigations into Trump's business activities, including the hush-money payments made during the 2016 election, in 2021.
January 2022: Retrieval of White House Records
In January 2022, NARA retrieved 15 boxes of White House records from Mar-a-Lago, some of which were later identified as classified material.
February 2022: Launch of Truth Social
In February 2022, Donald Trump launched Truth Social, a social media platform intended to re-establish his online presence after being banned from major platforms. However, the platform only attracted a fraction of his previous followers on Twitter.
February 2022: Truth Social Launch
TMTG launched the social media platform Truth Social in February 2022.
July 2022: Continued Election Overturning Attempts
As late as July 2022, Trump continued pressuring state legislators to overturn the results of the 2020 election.
August 8, 2022: FBI Search of Mar-a-Lago
On August 8, 2022, the FBI searched Mar-a-Lago to recover government documents taken by Trump, including classified materials, potentially violating the Presidential Records Act and Espionage Act.
August 2022: Fifth Amendment Invocation
During an August 2022 deposition related to the civil fraud case, Trump invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination over 400 times.
September 2022: Civil Fraud Case Filed
In September 2022, the New York attorney general filed a civil fraud case against Trump, his three oldest children, and the Trump Organization.
September 2022: Settlement with Mazars USA
In September 2022, a settlement was reached between the House Oversight Committee and Trump regarding the subpoena to Mazars USA, which began turning over documents.
November 2022: Trump's Twitter Account Reinstated
In November 2022, Elon Musk, after acquiring Twitter, reinstated Donald Trump's Twitter account, lifting the ban that had been in place since the January 6 Capitol attack.
November 15, 2022: 2024 Presidential Candidacy Announced
On November 15, 2022, Trump announced his candidacy for the 2024 presidential election.
November 18, 2022: Appointment of Special Counsel
On November 18, 2022, Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed Jack Smith as special counsel to investigate Trump's retention of government property and his role in the January 6th events.
December 2022: Trump Organization Conviction
In December 2022, the Trump Organization was convicted on 17 counts of criminal tax fraud, conspiracy, and falsifying business records.
December 19, 2022: January 6th Committee Recommendations
On December 19, 2022, the House Select Committee on the January 6 Attack recommended criminal charges against Trump, including obstruction, conspiracy to defraud the U.S., and inciting or assisting an insurrection.
2022: E. Jean Carroll Files Lawsuit
Journalist E. Jean Carroll filed a lawsuit ("Carroll II") against Trump in 2022, alleging sexual abuse and defamation, which led to a trial and a verdict against Trump in 2023.
2022: Trump Tower Mortgage Refinancing
Trump refinanced a $100 million mortgage on Trump Tower in 2022 to offset business losses.
2022: Ranked 43rd out of 45 Presidents
A 2022 Siena College Research Institute survey ranked Trump 43rd out of 45 presidents.
2022: Midterm Election Endorsements
During the 2022 midterm elections, Trump endorsed over 200 candidates, many of whom supported his claims about the 2020 election.
January 2023: Trump Organization Sentencing
In January 2023, the Trump Organization was fined $1.6 million, and CFO Allen Weisselberg was sentenced to jail and probation, though Trump himself was not charged.
January 2023: Trump Returns to Facebook and Instagram
In January 2023, the two-year ban on Donald Trump's access to Meta Platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, lapsed, allowing him to return to these social media platforms.
March 2023: Indictment on Falsifying Business Records
In March 2023, a New York grand jury indicted Trump on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to hush-money payments made during the 2016 election.
March 2023: Campaign Funds Diverted
In March 2023, Trump's campaign began diverting 10% of donations to his leadership PAC.
March 2023: Collaboration with Incarcerated Rioters
In March 2023, Trump collaborated on a song with incarcerated rioters for their benefit and stated his intention to pardon many of them if re-elected.
March 2023: Trump Media Investigation
By March 2023, Trump Media was under federal investigation for possible money laundering related to funds received from Russia-connected entities.
May 2023: Liable for Sexual Abuse and Defamation
A New York jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation in May 2023 in a case brought by E. Jean Carroll, ordering him to pay $5 million.
June 2023: Indictment Under Espionage Act
In June 2023, a federal grand jury indicted Trump on 31 counts of "willfully retaining national defense information" under the Espionage Act, along with other charges related to obstruction and concealing documents. He pleaded not guilty.
August 1, 2023: Indictment for 2020 Election Interference
On August 1, 2023, a grand jury indicted Trump for his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results, including charges of conspiracy to defraud the U.S. and obstruct the Electoral College vote certification. He pleaded not guilty.
September 2023: Fraud Ruling and Business Sanctions
In September 2023, a judge ruled that Trump and others had committed fraud and ordered the cancellation of their New York business certificates and the dissolution of their business entities.
December 2023: Disqualified from Colorado Primary
In December 2023, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled Trump disqualified from the Colorado Republican primary due to his involvement in the January 6, 2021 attack on Congress.
2023: Civil Lawsuits
In 2023, Donald Trump was found liable in civil lawsuits for sexual abuse and defamation.
January 2024: Defamation Case Verdict
In January 2024, a jury ordered Trump to pay $83.3 million in damages in the "Carroll I" defamation case.
February 2024: Trump Found Liable, Penalties Imposed
In February 2024, Trump was found liable in the civil fraud case and ordered to pay over $450 million in penalties and was barred from leading New York corporations for three years.
March 13, 2024: Dismissal of Charges in Georgia Case
On March 13, 2024, three of the thirteen charges against Trump in the Georgia election subversion case were dismissed.
March 2024: $100 Million Spent on Legal Bills
By March 2024, Trump's 2024 presidential campaign had paid $100 million towards his legal bills.
March 2024: Restored to Colorado Ballot
In March 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Colorado Supreme Court's decision and restored Trump's name to the Colorado Republican primary ballot.
March 2024: TMTG Goes Public
In March 2024, TMTG merged with Digital World Acquisition and went public.
April 2024: Trial Begins
The trial for the 34 felony counts of falsifying business records against Trump, stemming from the 2016 election hush-money payments, began in April 2024.
May 2024: Trial Postponement and Dismissal
Judge Aileen Cannon, appointed by Trump, postponed the trial indefinitely in May 2024 and later dismissed it in July, ruling the special counsel's appointment unconstitutional. The dismissal was appealed.
July 13, 2024: Assassination Attempt
On July 13, 2024, Trump was the target of an assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, where he was grazed by a bullet.
November 2024: Wins 2024 Presidential Election
Trump was elected president of the United States in November 2024, defeating incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris and becoming the oldest person ever elected to the presidency.
November 26, 2024: Sentencing Scheduled
Following his conviction on 34 felony counts, Trump's sentencing is scheduled for November 26, 2024.
2024: IRS Investigation
In 2024, the New York Times and ProPublica reported an IRS investigation into Trump's write-offs of losses related to the Chicago tower.
2024: Rigged Election Claims Intensify
Trump's claims of a rigged election intensified during the 2024 campaign, becoming a central theme of his platform.
2024: Ranked Worst President by APSA (Again)
In 2024, the American Political Science Association again ranked Trump as the worst president in American history.
2024: Trump's Criticism of Meta Platforms
In 2024, despite being allowed back on Facebook and Instagram, Donald Trump continued to criticize Meta Platforms, calling the company an "enemy of the people".
2024: Felony Conviction and Further Indictments
In 2024, a New York jury found Donald Trump guilty on 34 felony counts. He also received further indictments relating to classified documents and 2020 election interference.
2024: Forbes Net Worth Estimation
In 2024, Forbes estimated Trump's net worth to be $2.3 billion, ranking him 1,438th in the world.
2024: Re-election as President
In 2024, Donald Trump won the presidential election, becoming the president-elect for a second non-consecutive term.
2024: Second Presidential Election Win
In 2024, Donald Trump won the presidential election against Kamala Harris, securing both the popular and electoral vote.
2024: Debt Due Date
A significant portion of Trump's personally guaranteed $421 million debt was due by 2024.
January 20, 2025: Second Presidential Inauguration
Donald Trump is scheduled to be inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States on January 20, 2025. This will be his second non-consecutive term.