Donald Trump is more than just the most infamous presidential candidate America has seen in a long time. He’s a prominent real estate developer, an author, a television personality and also a socialite. Donald Trump made his way up the social and economic ladder with his own two hands. Here are 11 facts about Donald Trump you might not be aware of.
1. Almost Bankrupt to Becoming a Billionaire
Something pretty unique about Donald Trump is that he was on the brink of bankruptcy in 1990. He managed to pay back the $900 million personal debt he owed by 1994 and had managed to reduce his $3.5 billion debt by a significant amount. While he did have to give up the Trump Shuttle he was able to keep his Trump Towers and three of the casinos he owned in Atlantic City. Trump went from being near bankrupt to becoming a billionaire today. He now owns over 100 companies and is worth $2.6 billion.
2. He Has Professional Wrestling Connections
Donald Trump personally paid to hold two Wrestlemania events (the largest event WWE holds each year) at the Trump Plaza. Trump would be a part of a Wrestlemania event in later years in a “Battle of the Billionaires” where he and Vince McMahon, CEO of WWE, chose a wrestler to represent them. The billionaire who lost the bet would be shaved bald. Trump won and helped shave the head of Vince McMahon.
3. He’s a Well-Paid TV Star
Most people in the US are aware that Donald Trump became the director and star of the reality TV show The Apprentice in 2004. What you might not know, however, is how much he was paid. Trump was paid $375,000 per show!
4. Trump is Teetotal
Donald Trump avoids all alcohol and, according to an interview he gave Forbes in 2011, it’s not hard for him either. Trump had to watch as his own brother, Fred, was destroyed by alcoholism. He says that was enough of a motivation to never drink.
5. He went to a Military Academy
Donald Trump was sent to the New York Military Academy at the age of 13 because he was too full of energy. His parents felt that sending him to the academy would give him a more positive focus. Trump performed well at the academy and graduated in 1964.
6. Trump is More Liberal Than His Father
Donald’s father was in the real estate business when Trump graduated high school. He began working for his father after graduation and had dreams so big he had to convince his father to take out loans. Trump used the money to expand the Trump empire.
7. Donald Trump Once Sued Bill Maher For Joking About Him
In 2013, Bill Maher made the joke that Trump was the son of a monkey and offered a $5 million reward if Trump could prove his father was human. Trump released his birth certificate and sued Maher for not forking over the five million dollar reward. Trump would later drop the charges.
8. Trump Doesn’t Like it When You Get His Net Worth Wrong
As well as suing Maher, Trump once sued the New York Times author Timothy O’Brien. Timothy’s crime? He got how much Trump was worth wrong. O’Brien said in a book published in 2006 that Trump was worth between $150 and $250 million. Trump was offended as he was worth billions. The lawsuit was dismissed by the courts in 2009.
9. Trump Sleeps For Just Four Hours a Night
George Bush was famous for his 10 PM bedtime but The Donald only sleeps four hours a night. He does it to stay ahead of his competition. Trump will wake up early and read through the New York Times, the Daily Times, The New York Post, and the Palm Beach papers, all before getting in a round of golf.
10. Trump Handles His Own Hair
No matter how heated Trump becomes his comb-over always stays perfect. You may think that it’s a work of art done by a professional stylist (ok, maybe not) but the truth is that Trump does his own hair. Even though he does have a hair salon on his estate, he still prefers to handle it himself.
Also check this article from CrushTheLSATExam – Donald Trump’s Long History of Lawsuits
11. He Only Wears a Red Baseball Hat When He’s Angry
Red is a symbol of anger and of warning, and Trump definitely treats it like one. His butler and the rest of his staff recall that Trump wears a white hat when he’s in a good mood. If his hat is red it’s best to stay away from him.