Donald Trump, the 45th and 47th President of the United States, is a figure whose life and career have been extensively documented. However, beyond the headlines and soundbites, there are numerous lesser-known aspects of his life that even his most ardent followers might find surprising. Here are 20 intriguing facts about Donald Trump that many people may not know:
20 Surprising Facts About Donald Trump
- Early Business Endeavors: Before his real estate empire, Trump launched a bottled water brand named Trump Ice in 1995. Despite initial distribution in select markets, the brand was discontinued in 2010. Wikipedia
- Aviation Ambitions: In the 1980s, Trump owned an airline called Trump Shuttle, which operated between major U.S. cities. The venture was short-lived and ceased operations in 1992.
- Wrestling Cameo: Trump made a memorable appearance at WrestleMania 23 in 2007, where he participated in a “Battle of the Billionaires” match, showcasing his flair for entertainment.
- Musical Tribute: In 2011, rapper Mac Miller released a song titled “Donald Trump,” which became a hit. Trump later requested royalties from the artist. thefactsite.com
Also read: Barron Trump: 16 Most Googled Questions About Him 2025 - Presidential Firsts: Trump is the only U.S. president to have been impeached twice by the House of Representatives, first in 2019 and again in 2021. Encyclopedia Britannica
- Media Ventures: Beyond The Apprentice, Trump has been involved in various media projects, including producing and hosting the Miss Universe pageant for several years.
- Literary Contributions: Trump has authored several books, including The Art of the Deal. Interestingly, many of his books were ghostwritten, with the most notable being Tony Schwartz.
- Early Wealth: Thanks to loans from his father, Trump was a millionaire at the age of eight, setting the stage for his future business endeavors. thefactsite.com
- Unconventional Campaign: In 2000, Trump ran for president under the Reform Party, with talk show host Oprah Winfrey as his potential running mate.
- Cultural Impact: Trump’s influence extends to pop culture, with references to him appearing in various films, television shows, and even video games.
- Family Legacy: Trump’s paternal grandfather, Friedrich Trump, emigrated from Germany to the U.S. in 1885, avoiding military service. Ironically, his grandson later became the commander-in-chief of the U.S. military.
- Academic Background: Trump attended Fordham University for two years before transferring to the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a degree in economics.
- Military School Discipline: As a teenager, Trump was sent to the New York Military Academy to instill discipline, where he rose to the rank of captain.
- Alcohol-Free Lifestyle: Trump has never consumed alcohol, a choice influenced by the death of his older brother Fred from alcohol-related complications. sites.middlebury.edu
- Real Estate Expansion: Trump expanded his real estate portfolio by acquiring and developing properties in various cities, including the iconic Trump Tower in New York City.
- Television Personality: Before his political career, Trump was a prominent television personality, known for his catchphrase “You’re fired!” on The Apprentice.
- Political Comeback: After losing the 2020 election, Trump returned to the political scene and was elected as the 47th president in 2024, becoming the first person since Grover Cleveland to serve non-consecutive terms. National Geographic
- Legal Challenges: Trump has faced numerous legal challenges, including a conviction in 2024 for falsifying business records, resulting in a $364 million fine. thefactsite.com
- Communication Style: Known for his direct and often controversial communication, Trump frequently uses hyperbolic language, such as “never seen anything like it,” to emphasize his points. AP News
- Digital Presence: After being banned from major social media platforms, Trump launched his own platform, TRUTH Social, to communicate directly with his audience.
These lesser-known facets of Donald Trump’s life and career offer a more nuanced understanding of the man behind the headlines. Whether admired or criticized, his multifaceted journey continues to captivate public interest.