From a businessman, billionaire, and reality TV star with no political experience, Donald Trump launched his political career in 2015 as he approached the age of 70.
At a press conference at Trump Tower in New York on June 16, 2015, he announced his candidacy for the 45th president of the United States with the slogan "Make America Great Again."
With extensive experience in entertainment, Trump displayed confidence and a commanding stage presence, dominating debates with Republican candidates and later facing off against Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton.
Throughout his first campaign, Trump proposed bold policies, most notably the construction of a border wall with Mexico to curb illegal immigration.
Winning 304 electoral votes in 2016, he defeated Clinton, who won the popular vote but secured only 227 electoral votes.
Trump is sworn in as the 45th President of the United States on Jan. 20, 2017, in Washington, displaying both pride and excitement.
In 2020, Trump announced his bid for re-election, facing Democratic candidate Joe Biden. However, in debates with Biden, Trump appeared less composed than he had against Clinton, occasionally losing his temper.
The debates were widely criticized as chaotic, with Trump frequently interrupting the moderator and making personal attacks on Biden.
Trump ultimately lost his second bid for the White House, securing only 232 electoral votes compared to Biden's 306. Refusing to accept the results, Trump expressed outrage and alleged "election fraud" without evidence.
On Jan. 6, 2021, he encouraged his supporters to march to Capitol Hill to halt the certification of Biden's victory, resulting in a violent riot at the Capitol that shocked America and the world.
After his unsuccessful attempts to overturn the election results, Trump left the White House on Jan. 20, 2021, delivering a farewell speech from Andrews Air Force Base.
Breaking a 152-year American tradition, he did not attend Biden's inauguration. Instead, he flew back to Florida with his family and close aides, promising to "return".
Following his departure, Trump faced the most turbulent period of his political career: social media platforms banned him, allies distanced themselves, and critics intensified their attacks.
Nevertheless, Trump remained resolute in his political ambitions. After hinting at a third run multiple times, he officially filed with the Federal Election Commission on Nov. 15, 2022, announcing his candidacy for the 2024 race.
In this third run, Trump appeared calmer and more collected, especially during his debate with Biden in June. His commanding performance affected Biden's standing within the Democratic Party, ultimately leading Biden to withdraw from the race.
Trump’s resilience and strength were most evident when he survived an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania on July 13. Although grazed by a bullet, he courageously remained on stage, defiantly raising his fist to the sky even as the Secret Service urged him to evacuate.
In that life-and-death moment, Trump reassured his supporters, displaying the fortitude of a leader.
On Nov. 6, as media outlets declared him the victor, Trump stated he had "made history."
In his victory speech, he refrained from attacking his opponent, Kamala Harris, instead focusing on future policies and directions.
He will take office on January 20, 2025, becoming America’s 47th president, and has pledged to work tirelessly to honor voters' trust.
This time, Trump appears calmer—a change he acknowledged, revealing that his son Barron had advised him to stay composed.
Donald Trump and his extended family took the stage at the victory celebration at the Palm Beach Convention Center in Florida on Nov. 6.
Trump is the first president in more than a century to win a non-consecutive second term.
He is also the only person to be elected as a convicted felon -- he will face sentencing in a New York court for fraud on Nov. 26.
Already 78, Trump is on course to break another record as the oldest-ever sitting president during his four-year term. He will surpass Biden who is set to step down in January at the age of 82.
