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About Donald Trump

Donald Trump was born in the neighborhood of Queens in New York City, New York, to parents of German and Scottish descent. He earned academic honors in basic schooling, where he also proved a gifted student athlete, before going on to study first at Fordham University and then at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He graduated in 1968, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics.

Never one to shy away from controversy, Trump had toyed with the idea of a Republican or even Independent presidential run on numerous occasions. He has had a tendency to service his image for these potential runs with extravagant public antics, such as his decision in 2011 to join the infamous ranks of nigh-universally conservative Americans who questioned President Barack Obama's birth within the United States. Dubbed “birthers” – they accused Obama of having actually been born in Kenya, and thus being constitutionally ineligible for the office of President. What his theatrics have unquestionably won him, however, is fame and popularity as a sort of entertainer, bolstering his sales as an author and his ratings on television.

Traditionally, Trump has avoided backing his public speculations of a presidential run with action – until June 1, 2015, when he formally announced his candidacy for the 2016 election. In his declaration, Trump criticized politicians, saying that while he loves them because “it's easy to make money with politicians,” he is frustrated by the fact that they say much and do little. He also decried illegal immigration, saying that he will inexpensively build a wall along the nation's southern border, and that he will have Mexico pay for its construction. Trump covered a few other bases, as well, promising that he will be tough on ISIS and stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. And in truly classic Trump shamelessness, he flaunts his vast financial wealth and compares it to other famously rich candidates, saying that he is more successful than Ross Perot and that he, quote, “has a Gucci store that's worth more than Romney.” Though his quest to win the presidency may be an uphill battle, his candidacy is certain to be entertaining, and to draw electorate interest in the 2016 presidential race.