The Trump presidency lasted from January 2017 to January 2021. It was a significant time in American politics. Donald Trump’s unique style of leadership led to many important events and controversies.
As the 45th President, Trump made big changes. These changes affected the Republican Party and American society deeply.
Future sections will cover Trump’s dealings with politics and the media. We’ll also look at his impact on international relations and public opinion. This will help us understand how his presidency changed the U.S. and its place in the world.
Books like “Grand Old Unraveling,” set for April 2024, will add to our understanding. They will connect Trump’s presidency to historical patterns from the 1930s. This is crucial for seeing how Trump’s presidency challenged the U.S. Constitution.
Key Takeaways
- The Trump presidency spanned from January 2017 to January 2021.
- Key themes include governance, political institutions, and societal changes.
- Upcoming book “Grand Old Unraveling” releases in April 2024.
- Analysis includes historical patterns and shifts within the Republican Party.
- Trump’s presidency is viewed as a challenge to the U.S. constitutional design.
Introduction to the Trump Presidency
Donald Trump became a big name in politics after making it big in business and entertainment. He was born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York. In 1971, he took over his father’s real estate company, which later became the Trump Organization.
He entered politics in the 2016 Republican primary. He beat many rivals, showing he could connect with voters. This was especially true for those who felt let down by traditional politics.
In the 2016 presidential election, Trump ran against Hillary Clinton. He won the Electoral College but lost the popular vote. This victory started a term filled with controversy and big promises to change America.
During his first term, Trump faced big challenges. There was a 35-day government shutdown in 2018. The COVID-19 pandemic also hit, with the first case reported on January 20, 2020. By January 2021, over 400,000 Americans had died from the virus.
Event | Date | Details |
---|---|---|
Trump’s Birth | June 14, 1946 | Born in Queens, New York. |
Trump Organization Control | 1971 | Took over his father’s real estate company. |
2016 Election Victory | November 8, 2016 | Defeated Hillary Clinton despite losing the popular vote. |
Inauguration | January 20, 2017 | Became the 45th President as the oldest at inauguration age 70. |
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act | December 2017 | Major tax reform impacting federal revenue. |
Partial Government Shutdown | 2018 | Lasted for 35 days, highlighting governmental gridlock. |
COVID-19 Outbreak | January 20, 2020 | First confirmed case reported in the U.S. |
Key Events During Donald Trump’s Time in Office
Donald Trump’s presidency was filled with notable events Trump presidency that caused a lot of debate. The Women’s March on January 21, 2017, was a huge event. It was the largest single-day march in US history, with millions joining.
On January 27, 2017, Trump introduced a travel ban for seven countries. This move was met with a lot of backlash. A revised ban was later introduced, targeting six Muslim-majority nations. On April 7, 2017, Trump ordered airstrikes in Syria in response to a chemical attack.
Trump made a big move in the economy by signing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on December 22, 2017. This changed the federal tax code, lowering corporate taxes and helping many families. By January 23, 2018, new tariffs on solar panels and washing machines were put in place, affecting the market.
The Trump administration faced a lot of criticism in the following months. On February 16, 2018, the Special Counsel charged 13 Russians with election interference. The March for Our Lives on March 24, 2018, highlighted the need for stricter gun laws after the Parkland school shooting.
One of the most debated policies was the separation of nearly 2,000 children from their parents at the US-Mexico border. This policy was widely criticized and later stopped. Trump’s meeting with Vladimir Putin on July 16, 2018, was also met with criticism for not condemning Russian election interference.
Despite the controversy, Trump’s administration reported many economic successes. They created 7 million new jobs and saw low unemployment rates. The DOW hit record highs, and household net worth reached an all-time high by the end of Trump’s presidency.
The following table summarizes some of the key Trump policies and their impact during his presidency:
Event/Policy | Date | Impact |
---|---|---|
Women’s March | January 21, 2017 | Largest single-day march in US history |
First Travel Ban | January 27, 2017 | Affected individuals from seven countries |
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act | December 22, 2017 | $1.5 trillion impact on federal tax code |
Airstrikes in Syria | April 7, 2017 | Response to chemical weapon attack |
March for Our Lives | March 24, 2018 | Gun control advocacy |
Unemployment Rate | Various | Lowest in 50 years at 3.5% |
Household Net Worth | Q2 2020 | Reached $112 trillion, all-time high |
Donald Trump and the Impeachment Inquiry
The impeachment inquiry against Donald Trump was a big deal in American history. It started in September 2019 and led to his first impeachment on December 18, 2019. This event showed the deep divisions in the country’s politics and elections.
Understanding the Political Context
Donald Trump’s presidency was always a topic of debate. The impeachment inquiry was started by House Democrats to hold him accountable. They focused on a phone call with Ukraine’s president that raised concerns about abuse of power.
This inquiry happened in a time of high partisan tensions. Many saw it as a result of long-standing criticisms of Trump’s administration. Key factors included:
- Deepening partisan divides across the nation
- Escalating tensions surrounding the 2020 presidential election
- The Democrats’ strategic shift towards impeachment after earlier failed efforts
- Negative sentiments regarding Trump’s handling of foreign relations
Major Allegations and Responses
The impeachment inquiry centered on serious allegations against Trump. These included abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. The House voted on two main articles:
Article | Votes in Favor | Votes Against | Present |
---|---|---|---|
Abuse of Power | 230 | 197 | 1 |
Obstruction of Congress | 229 | 198 | 1 |
The Senate trial followed, with significant votes. Neither article got the two-thirds majority needed for conviction. This led to Trump’s acquittal.
His defense and refusal to cooperate during the inquiry made things even more polarized. Public opinion was split, showing the nation’s divided feelings towards Trump. Trump’s strong stance reinforced his support base while energizing his critics.

The Role of Media in the Trump Era
The relationship between Donald Trump and the media has been complex and contentious. In recent years, trust in media has dropped, especially during Trump’s presidency. Walter Cronkite, once the most trusted man in America, now seems far away as distrust in media grows.
Many Republicans, 31%, think journalists have very low ethics. Only 5% of Democrats agree. This big gap shows a deep divide in how people view media, especially with Trump.
After Trump took office, terms like “fake news” and “alternative facts” became common. This led to more distrust in media. The loss of local newspapers has hurt community journalism, making it harder for people to find reliable news. This was especially true during big events, like the Capitol insurrection.
Trump used social media well to talk directly to his fans, often skipping traditional media. This changed how people saw news about his administration. Journalists had to adjust their stories to get White House access, which makes them worry about their work’s integrity.
- Too much misinformation on social media is hard for fact-checkers to handle, making people more skeptical.
- Since the Telecommunications Act of 1996, corporate influence in news has grown. This has led to fewer diverse voices in media.
- The Federal Communications Commission was set up in 1934 to protect broadcasting interests.
- Today, sensational shows are common, like “A Current Affair,” which appeals to wealthier viewers but lacks critical coverage.
In summary, the media scene under Trump has changed a lot, affecting journalism’s role in democracy. There’s a need for reforms to regain credibility and trust in media.
Trump's Impact on the Republican Party
Donald Trump’s presidency changed the Republican Party a lot. His leadership brought big changes in how the party works and what it believes. This change moved the party away from old conservative values towards a more strict way of thinking.
Shift Towards Authoritarianism
Under Trump, the Republican Party started leaning more towards authoritarianism. This change included pushing conspiracy theories like QAnon. These ideas made the party more radical and less open to traditional views.
Trump’s leadership made the party focus more on loyalty than on who’s best for the job. This shift changed how people act and think in the party.
Cultural and Ideological Changes
Trump’s impact on the Republican Party went beyond just how things were done. A new group of leaders, like JD Vance and Kristi Noem, came up. They support Trump’s “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) idea.
Many in the party changed their views to match Trump’s. This shows a big cultural shift towards supporting Trump over old party values. The upcoming elections show that Trump’s influence is still strong in the party.

International Relations Under Trump
Donald Trump’s presidency brought big changes to how the U.S. interacts with the world. He focused on “America First,” putting American needs first. This move away from global leadership was a big shift.
One key move was pulling out of important agreements. For example, the U.S. left the Paris Climate Accord in June 2017. President Biden later reversed this decision.
Trump’s military actions also got a lot of attention. In December 2018, he sent 2,000 troops to Syria. He later reduced troops in Afghanistan and signed a deal with the Taliban in February 2020.
Trade relations saw big changes too. Starting in January 2018, the U.S. put tariffs on Chinese goods, starting a trade war. The U.S. also updated NAFTA to the USMCA in 2018.
Trump made headlines by recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in May 2018. He also helped make the Abraham Accords, improving relations between Israel and Arab nations.
Trump also met with North Korea’s Kim Jong-un, a historic first. His relationship with Russia was different, showing a softer stance towards President Putin.
The following table summarizes key aspects of international relations under Donald Trump:
Policy/Agreement | Description | Impact |
---|---|---|
Paris Climate Accord | Withdrawal in June 2017 | Reduced U.S. participation in global climate efforts |
USMCA | Replaced NAFTA in 2018 | Modernized North American trade relationships |
Trade War with China | Tariffs imposed starting January 2018 | Escalated tensions between the two nations |
Abraham Accords | Normalization agreements in 2020 | Improved Israel-Arab relations |
Withdrawal from Iran Deal | Exited in May 2018 | Reinstated sanctions against Iran |
Public Response and Opinion Polls
Public opinion on Trump has changed a lot during his presidency. Now, 53% of U.S. adults approve of his plans, while 46% do not. Many people trust his economic policies, with 59% supporting him.
Looking at specific issues, people are confident in Trump’s handling of law enforcement, immigration, and foreign policy. But, 59% doubt his ability to unite the country. Only 41% think he can bring people together.
Opinions on Trump are mixed. A feeling thermometer shows 43% think he’s “very warm” or “warm.” But, 48% see him as “cold,” with 40% feeling “very cold.” More people now see him as “very cold” than in 2020 or 2016.
Views on Trump’s honesty and sincerity are also mixed. Only 45% think he cares about ordinary Americans. And, 42% see him as honest.
More people are happy with national conditions now, with a 6% increase. But, 70% are still unhappy. Republicans are more positive, with a 25% increase in satisfaction. Democrats, however, are less optimistic, with only 24% feeling positive.
There’s more confidence in the presidential transition to Trump now. 70% think it will go smoothly, with 79% of Republicans agreeing. This is a big improvement from four years ago. Also, more people praise Trump’s actions after the 2020 election, with a 25% increase.
The country is divided, with 76% of Republicans feeling hopeful. But, only 29% of Democrats share this hope. Views on political violence, threats, and immigration are also split.
Donald Trump’s Legacy and Influence
Donald Trump’s presidency is a major turning point in American history. His win over Hillary Clinton in 2016 changed the political scene. Despite losing the popular vote, Trump won the presidency, creating a big divide in the Republican Party.
Trump’s legacy shows his focus on the people and the deep splits in the Republican Party. These splits often came from business interests versus cultural values. Now, many candidates seek Trump’s support, showing his lasting impact on politics.
During his time in office, Trump pushed the limits of what was acceptable. Many lost faith in the political system, especially after the 2020 election and the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. This event marked a turning point, leading to less trust in elections.
Trump faced two impeachments, a first for any president. His presidency was also marked by distrust in the media, with many Republicans doubting major news outlets. This division still affects how people view politics today.
To sum up Donald Trump’s complex legacy, here’s a table of key points:
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Electoral Upset | Trump’s victory in 2016 despite losing the popular vote by approximately 2.9 million. |
Political Norms | Collapse of previously taken-for-granted democratic practices and principles. |
Public Opinion | Lowest approval rating of 29% coupled with 86% approval among Republicans. |
Ideological Divisions | Increased polarization among voters, leading to partisan approval gaps. |
Media Distrust | Growing skepticism among Republicans towards major media channels. |
Legal Challenges | Indictments and felony convictions affecting his political career. |
The impact of Trump’s legacy on future elections and politics is huge. The Republican Party is still figuring out who it is, with Trump’s influence clear. His presidency is a key lesson in the changing ways of American politics.
Conclusion
The Trump presidency has left a big mark on American politics, sparking lots of debate. Donald Trump’s time in office was filled with turmoil, legal battles, and changes in the Republican Party. His legal troubles, including being found guilty on 34 felony counts, show how politics and law can mix in complex ways.
Looking back at Trump’s actions and policies, we see big implications. His legal battles, especially the findings from special counsel Jack Smith, show a big change in how former presidents are seen in law. The Supreme Court’s ruling on immunity for former presidents adds to the story, raising questions about accountability and how the country is run.
In wrapping up the Trump presidency, it’s clear that his presidency has changed American politics. While some see the charges against him as unfair, it’s a big moment for American politics. It makes us think about what we’ve learned and how politics might change in the future.
FAQ
How old is Donald Trump?
As of October 2023, Donald Trump is 77 years old. He was born on June 14, 1946.
How tall is Donald Trump?
Donald Trump is 6 feet 3 inches tall.
What were some key events during Donald Trump’s presidency?
Key events include the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the travel ban controversy, and the U.S. response to COVID-19.
What controversies surrounded Trump’s impeachment?
Trump’s first impeachment in 2019 was over an abuse of power allegation related to Ukraine. This caused a lot of political polarization.
How did media coverage affect Trump’s presidency?
Media coverage was very important. Trump used social media to fight back against negative stories. He was also accused of creating a “fake news” environment.
What impact did Trump have on the Republican Party?
Trump’s presidency changed the Republican Party. It moved towards more authoritarian tactics and conspiracy theories, away from traditional conservative values.
What were some of Trump’s foreign policy initiatives?
Trump’s foreign policy included pulling out of the Paris Climate Accord, engaging with North Korea, and focusing on “America First.”
How did public opinion fluctuate during Trump’s presidency?
Public opinion changed a lot. This was especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic and protests against racial injustice. These events affected Trump’s approval ratings.
What is the legacy of Donald Trump’s presidency?
Trump’s legacy is complex. It includes his impact on politics, changing the Republican Party, and debates about democracy and civil rights.
Where can I find the latest news about Donald Trump?
You can find the latest news about Donald Trump on CNN, BBC, and The New York Times. Also, check online platforms and news aggregators.