Donald Trump is one of the most talked-about presidents in modern history. Whether you admire him or not, his life is full of unexpected twists and intriguing details.
Here are ten little-known facts about the 47th president of the United States that reveal a different side of him.
1. Trump's Grandfather Emigrated from Germany to the U.S.
The Trump family history is a mix of German and Scottish roots. His grandfather, Friedrich Trump, emigrated from Germany to the U.S. in 1885. Ironically, he left to avoid military service, while his grandson later became the commander-in-chief of the world's most powerful army. For a long time, Donald avoided mentioning his German heritage, as his father, Fred Trump, insisted the family present themselves as Swedish.
2. Military School Instilled Discipline in Him
As the fourth child in a wealthy family, Trump was restless and headstrong. His parents decided to send him to the New York Military Academy at age 13 to instill discipline. There, he rose to the rank of captain, showing early leadership traits. However, he was later stripped of the position due to conflicts with the school's administration.
1. Trump's Grandfather Emigrated from Germany to the U.S.
The Trump family history is a mix of German and Scottish roots. His grandfather, Friedrich Trump, emigrated from Germany to the U.S. in 1885. Ironically, he left to avoid military service, while his grandson later became the commander-in-chief of the world's most powerful army. For a long time, Donald avoided mentioning his German heritage, as his father, Fred Trump, insisted the family present themselves as Swedish.
2. Military School Instilled Discipline in Him
As the fourth child in a wealthy family, Trump was restless and headstrong. His parents decided to send him to the New York Military Academy at age 13 to instill discipline. There, he rose to the rank of captain, showing early leadership traits. However, he was later stripped of the position due to conflicts with the school's administration.
3. Trump Once Owned an Airline
Most people know Trump as a real estate mogul, but few remember his failed venture in the airline industry. In 1989, he launched Trump Shuttle, an airline offering luxury flights between Boston, New York, and Washington. The business turned out to be unprofitable and shut down after a few years, becoming one of Trump's most notable financial failures.
4. WWE Hall of Famer
Donald Trump is connected not only to politics and business but also to the world of wrestling! In 2007, he appeared on WWE, the largest professional wrestling organization, where he participated in a scripted match against its owner, Vince McMahon. It was more of a show than a real fight, but the audience loved it. For his support of WWE and his contribution to its popularity, Trump was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2013.
5. He Doesn't Drink Alcohol
Despite his high-profile lifestyle, Trump does not consume alcohol. He made this decision after witnessing his older brother, Fred Jr., struggle with alcoholism. Fred Jr.'s addiction led to his early death at the age of 43. Trump often cites this experience as the main reason for his strict abstinence from alcohol.
Most people know Trump as a real estate mogul, but few remember his failed venture in the airline industry. In 1989, he launched Trump Shuttle, an airline offering luxury flights between Boston, New York, and Washington. The business turned out to be unprofitable and shut down after a few years, becoming one of Trump's most notable financial failures.
4. WWE Hall of Famer
Donald Trump is connected not only to politics and business but also to the world of wrestling! In 2007, he appeared on WWE, the largest professional wrestling organization, where he participated in a scripted match against its owner, Vince McMahon. It was more of a show than a real fight, but the audience loved it. For his support of WWE and his contribution to its popularity, Trump was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2013.
5. He Doesn't Drink Alcohol
Despite his high-profile lifestyle, Trump does not consume alcohol. He made this decision after witnessing his older brother, Fred Jr., struggle with alcoholism. Fred Jr.'s addiction led to his early death at the age of 43. Trump often cites this experience as the main reason for his strict abstinence from alcohol.
6. A Fan of Hollywood Cameos
Before becoming president, Trump made appearances in several movies and TV shows. His most famous cameos include Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and Sex and the City. In each of these, he played himself, reinforcing his image as an eccentric businessman.
7. Donald Trump Had His Own Board Game
In 1989, Trump released Trump: The Game, a Monopoly-style board game reflecting his business empire. It failed to gain popularity and was soon discontinued. In 2004, following the success of The Apprentice, the game was briefly re-released, but it flopped again.
8. His Casino Went Bankrupt, Losing $365 Million
Trump’s love for risky business ventures did not always bring him success. One of his biggest failures was the Trump Taj Mahal casino in Atlantic City, which opened in 1990. It quickly fell into massive debt. Eventually, the casino declared bankruptcy, costing investors and Trump himself hundreds of millions of dollars.
Before becoming president, Trump made appearances in several movies and TV shows. His most famous cameos include Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and Sex and the City. In each of these, he played himself, reinforcing his image as an eccentric businessman.
7. Donald Trump Had His Own Board Game
In 1989, Trump released Trump: The Game, a Monopoly-style board game reflecting his business empire. It failed to gain popularity and was soon discontinued. In 2004, following the success of The Apprentice, the game was briefly re-released, but it flopped again.
8. His Casino Went Bankrupt, Losing $365 Million
Trump’s love for risky business ventures did not always bring him success. One of his biggest failures was the Trump Taj Mahal casino in Atlantic City, which opened in 1990. It quickly fell into massive debt. Eventually, the casino declared bankruptcy, costing investors and Trump himself hundreds of millions of dollars.
9. His Hair Is Real but Requires Special Care
For years, rumors circulated that Trump wore a wig. However, he has repeatedly proven that his hair is real, though it requires meticulous maintenance. His stylist once revealed that a special drying and styling technique is used to create his signature look.
10. A Germophobe Who Loves Fast Food
Despite owning luxury hotels and restaurants, Trump is known for his love of fast food, particularly McDonald's. He claims that strict sanitary regulations in fast-food chains ensure food safety. However, his fast-food obsession contrasts with his extreme aversion to germs — Trump avoids handshakes and frequently washes his hands.
For years, rumors circulated that Trump wore a wig. However, he has repeatedly proven that his hair is real, though it requires meticulous maintenance. His stylist once revealed that a special drying and styling technique is used to create his signature look.
10. A Germophobe Who Loves Fast Food
Despite owning luxury hotels and restaurants, Trump is known for his love of fast food, particularly McDonald's. He claims that strict sanitary regulations in fast-food chains ensure food safety. However, his fast-food obsession contrasts with his extreme aversion to germs — Trump avoids handshakes and frequently washes his hands.
Regardless of how you feel about him, Donald Trump’s life is full of unexpected twists and fascinating stories. From his immigrant roots to his Hollywood cameos and political career, he remains one of the most talked-about figures of our time. Which of these facts surprised you the most?