Donald John Trump, born June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York City, is of German and Scottish descent. He was raised in the Presbyterian faith.
Donald is the son of Fred Trump, a famous real estate developer, and Mary Anne MacLeod Trump, a native of Scotland. He grew up with four siblings: Maryanne Trump Barry, Fred Trump Jr., Elizabeth Trump Grau and Robert Trump.
Trump’s early education began in Kew-Forest School in Queens but was later transferred New York Military Academy. After graduating from high school, he studied Fordham University for two years before moving in Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvaniawhere he graduated with a degree in economics in 1968.
Widely known as the 45th President of the United States and his bold business ventures, Donald Trump’s story was also shaped by his parents, Fred and Mary Anne, whose lives gives insight into his family’s background and influence.
Fred Trump
Fred Trump was born in New York City on October 11, 1905, the second of three children of German immigrants Elizabeth Christ Trump and Frederick Trump. Early on, he became involved in the family real estate business, initially focusing on real estate in Queens and Brooklyn. After his father died in 1918, young Fred took over the modest real estate portfolio his father had started.
Under Fred’s leadership, the family business grew significantly. He specializes in building affordable housing, especially in Brooklyn and Queens, often targeting middle-class families and veterans. This approach brought him considerable wealth and influence, making him a key figure in the New York real estate scene.
Fred Trump’s business practices have attracted both admiration and criticism. Known for his frugality and tough negotiating style, he ran Trump Organization with a stern hand. These characteristics, later reflected by his son Donald, shaped Fred’s legacy — not only through the buildings he developed but also through the methods he advocated, which Donald will expand in his own career.
Mary Anne MacLeod Trump
Mary Anne MacLeod Trump was born on 10 May 1912 in the village of Tong on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland, the youngest of 10 children of Malcolm MacLeod and Mary Smith (Mary MacLeod). She immigrated to America in 1930, initially planning to stay for a short time but ended up making New York her home.
During her early years in America, Mary Anne worked at a variety of jobs, including working as a domestic. At a dance, she met Fred Trump, whom she married in 1936. She adapted to life in America and raised five children, including Donald, born in 1946. Although she retained her Scottish accent, she still accepts his role in the Trump family dynamic. and business life.
Mary Anne was known as a strong and caring mother, passing on lessons of resilience and family values to her children. She was known for being frugal and modest, in contrast to her family’s later public image. Both she and Fred instilled a strong work ethic in their children, emphasizing the importance of success in business. Donald often spoke of his father’s steadfast love and his mother’s resilient yet loving nature.
Fred’s focus on middle-class housing may have influenced Donald’s later views on economic policies, adding to his complex views on wealth and opportunity. The combination of Fred’s New York real estate empire and Mary Anne’s immigrant roots gave Donald a unique perspective on life in America.
Fred and Mary Anne’s story isn’t just about wealth or business; they reflect the values and lessons they have passed on. Their influence on Donald was profound, combining ambition with resilience and perhaps a sense of connection to one’s roots. Knowing their stories provides insight into how personal history can shape public personas, helping explain the creation of one of America’s most polarizing figures.
