Beyond the Politics: 20 Fun Facts About Donald Trump You'll Love

Donald Trump Unfiltered: 20 Things You Didn't Know About the Man Who Won't Quit

Donald Trump is back in the spotlight as a 2024 presidential nominee, and whether you love him or hate him, you can’t deny he’s one of the most talked-about figures in modern politics. But beyond the headlines, scandals, and tweets, there’s a lot about the man that most people don’t know. From surprising childhood stories to hidden quirks, Trump’s journey from business mogul to reality TV star and then president is filled with unexpected moments. Here’s a look at 20 fun, lesser-known facts about The Donald as he aims for the White House—again.

1. Born Into Wealth, But It Wasn't All Easy

Donald Trump was born into a wealthy family in Queens, New York, on June 14, 1946. His father, Fred Trump, was a successful real estate developer who amassed a fortune. However, despite this privileged upbringing, Trump often tells the story of how he got his start in business with what he describes as "a small loan of a million dollars" from his father. While that might sound like a fortune to most people, Trump used it to build a real estate empire that eventually expanded far beyond his father’s holdings. He bought high-profile properties in Manhattan, including Trump Tower, and became a media sensation in the process. Despite the large loan, Trump has always painted himself as a self-made man, emphasizing his hard work and business acumen. His journey from a young businessman to a household name in real estate, television, and now politics has been filled with both successes and controversies.

2. Germaphobe to the Extreme

While many know Donald Trump for his confident and often brash persona, fewer people are aware of his serious fear of germs. Trump is a self-professed germaphobe, a fact that has shaped some of his interactions, particularly in the public eye. He famously dislikes shaking hands, a routine part of being a public figure, especially during his political career. In fact, one of his go-to gestures is a quick pat on the back or a wave instead of the traditional handshake. This aversion to germs extends beyond handshakes—Trump is known for his constant use of hand sanitizer and even advocates for the use of disposable drinking straws due to hygiene concerns. His germaphobia has come up in interviews over the years, and even during the COVID-19 pandemic, his obsession with cleanliness and germs became a point of discussion. It’s one of the many personal quirks that make Trump such a unique figure on the political stage.

3. Trump's Reality TV Fame Almost Didn't Happen

Before Donald Trump became synonymous with the phrase "You’re fired!" on The Apprentice, he was already a major figure in the business and real estate world. However, the transition to reality TV almost didn’t happen. In the early 2000s, Trump was approached by NBC producer Mark Burnett with the idea of creating a reality show centered around his business empire. Trump was initially hesitant about the project, as he was unsure how a reality show would affect his image as a serious businessman. Nevertheless, he decided to take the plunge, and The Apprentice premiered in 2004 to huge success. The show gave contestants the chance to compete for a management position in Trump’s organization, and it quickly became a hit, running for 14 seasons. It was The Apprentice that brought Trump into millions of households across America, laying the foundation for his 2016 presidential run. It’s hard to imagine Trump without this TV legacy.

4. He Once Tried to Buy an NFL Team

Donald Trump’s love for sports, particularly football, is well-known. In 1983, he purchased the New Jersey Generals, a team in the short-lived United States Football League (USFL). Trump attempted to compete with the NFL by encouraging the USFL to play its games in the fall, directly challenging the established football league. His ambition didn’t stop there. In 2014, Trump made a serious attempt to buy the Buffalo Bills, a franchise in the National Football League (NFL). Trump put in a bid when the team was up for sale, but he ultimately lost out to Terry Pegula, a billionaire who owned the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres. Despite not owning an NFL team, Trump has maintained strong ties to the sport, regularly commenting on games and making appearances at major events. His unsuccessful bid for the Bills, however, shows just how much he wanted to be part of America’s biggest sports league.

5. He's Never Touched Alcohol

Despite owning a brand of vodka that once bore his name, Donald Trump has never touched alcohol. His abstinence stems from a deeply personal experience: his older brother, Fred Trump Jr., struggled with alcoholism and passed away in 1981 at the age of 43. Watching his brother battle addiction made a lasting impact on Trump, leading him to swear off alcohol completely. He has spoken about this tragedy on multiple occasions, often advising young people to avoid drugs and alcohol, particularly because of the toll it took on his family. Trump’s decision to stay sober has played a significant role in shaping his lifestyle. He often mentions that he has never smoked a cigarette or used drugs either. While many people might associate Trump with the glitz and glam of the business and entertainment worlds, his commitment to a substance-free life stands in stark contrast to that image.

6. Trump Has a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Donald Trump’s impact on pop culture goes beyond politics and real estate—he’s also cemented his place in Hollywood history. In 2007, Trump received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to television, primarily due to the success of The Apprentice. The star is located on Hollywood Boulevard, a testament to Trump’s lasting influence on the entertainment industry. However, the star has been a point of controversy since Trump entered politics. It has been vandalized multiple times, including being destroyed with a pickaxe in 2016 and again in 2018. Despite the damage, Trump’s star continues to attract attention from both supporters and detractors alike. The Hollywood Walk of Fame has confirmed that stars, once awarded, are rarely removed, making Trump’s place on the famous boulevard a permanent fixture. This symbol of his TV fame remains a hot topic, reflecting both his entertainment legacy and political divisiveness.

7. Trump is a WWE Hall of Famer

In 2013, Donald Trump was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame—a surprising fact for someone more associated with boardrooms and politics than wrestling rings. Trump’s relationship with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) goes back decades. He hosted two WrestleMania events at his Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and even participated in WWE storylines, including a high-profile "Battle of the Billionaires" match at WrestleMania 23 in 2007. The match saw Trump, represented by wrestler Bobby Lashley, take on WWE chairman Vince McMahon, who was represented by Umaga. The loser had to shave their head, and McMahon was ultimately the one who got the buzz cut. Trump’s involvement in WWE was a ratings booster and showcased his flair for entertainment. His induction into the WWE Hall of Fame recognizes his contributions to the wrestling world, further proving that Trump has always been more than just a businessman.

8. He's a Published Author—With a Best Seller

Before he was a politician or reality TV star, Donald Trump was already a best-selling author. In 1987, he published The Art of the Deal, a business memoir and self-help book that detailed his business strategies, philosophy, and rise to fame in the world of real estate. The book, co-written with journalist Tony Schwartz, became a massive success, spending weeks on the New York Times Best Seller list. It’s often cited as one of the books that solidified Trump’s reputation as a savvy businessman and dealmaker. Trump has since authored or co-authored more than a dozen books, mostly focused on business, success, and politics. The Art of the Deal remains his most famous work, and he has referred to it as one of his proudest accomplishments. The book also helped shape his public persona as a man who knows how to negotiate and win—qualities he emphasized during his presidential campaign.

9. He's Been Married Three Times

Donald Trump’s personal life has been the subject of public scrutiny for decades, particularly his marriages. He’s been married three times, and each marriage has played a significant role in shaping his public image. His first marriage was to Ivana Trump, a Czech model and businesswoman, in 1977. They had three children together—Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric—before divorcing in 1992. Trump’s second marriage was to actress Marla Maples in 1993, with whom he had his daughter, Tiffany. However, that marriage was short-lived, and the couple divorced in 1999. Trump’s third and current wife is Melania Trump, a former model from Slovenia. They married in 2005, and together they have a son, Barron. Melania was a visible figure during Trump’s presidency, serving as First Lady from 2017 to 2021. Trump’s relationships have been a focal point for tabloids, but they’ve also contributed to the narrative of his larger-than-life persona.

10. He's Played Golf with World Leaders

Donald Trump’s love for golf is no secret. He owns numerous golf courses worldwide, and he’s often seen on the links during his free time. However, what many people may not know is that Trump has used his passion for the sport as a diplomatic tool. During his presidency, Trump frequently played golf with world leaders, using the relaxed setting of the golf course to build relationships and discuss political matters. Some of his notable golf partners included Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and former UK Prime Minister Theresa May. Trump’s golfing diplomacy drew both praise and criticism, with some seeing it as a way to strengthen international ties and others viewing it as an excessive indulgence. Regardless, golf remains one of Trump’s favorite pastimes, and he’s not shy about promoting his own courses, often playing at Trump-owned clubs like Mar-a-Lago and Trump National Golf Club in Virginia.

11. He Was an Extra in Home Alone 2

One of Donald Trump’s lesser-known Hollywood moments is his brief cameo in the 1992 holiday classic, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. In the film, young Kevin McCallister, played by Macaulay Culkin, finds himself lost in New York City and staying at the luxurious Plaza Hotel, which was owned by Trump at the time. In one memorable scene, Kevin asks a passerby for directions in the hotel lobby, and that passerby just happens to be Donald Trump himself. Trump’s cameo in the film has become somewhat iconic over the years, especially since his rise to political prominence. When asked about his appearance, Trump joked that it was one of the movie’s best moments. The cameo is a fun reminder of Trump’s deep ties to both real estate and pop culture, long before he became a household name in politics.

12. Trump University Was a Short-Lived Venture

In 2005, Donald Trump launched Trump University, an educational venture designed to teach students how to succeed in real estate and business. The school offered online courses, live seminars, and mentorship programs, all branded under Trump’s name and promising access to his wealth of knowledge. However, the venture quickly became controversial. In 2010, New York’s attorney general filed a lawsuit against Trump University, accusing it of misleading students and operating as an unlicensed educational institution. The lawsuit claimed that many students paid thousands of dollars for courses that did not deliver on their promises. Trump fought the lawsuit for several years, denying any wrongdoing, but in 2016, he agreed to settle the case for $25 million without admitting guilt. Trump University is now seen as one of Trump’s most notorious business failures, though Trump has repeatedly defended it, claiming it helped many people achieve success in real estate.

13. He Loves Fast Food—A Lot

Despite his wealth and access to gourmet cuisine, Donald Trump has a well-documented love for fast food. He’s been photographed enjoying McDonald's, KFC, and Wendy’s, and he’s even said that he prefers fast food because he trusts its cleanliness and consistency. During his 2016 presidential campaign, Trump often tweeted about his love for Big Macs and Filet-O-Fish sandwiches. His preference for fast food became even more famous during his presidency when he served a spread of McDonald's, Wendy’s, and Burger King to the Clemson Tigers football team during a White House visit. Trump’s fast food habit has become part of his everyman persona, with supporters seeing it as a sign that he’s just like them, despite his billionaire status. Critics, however, have pointed to it as an example of his unconventional approach to everything, even something as simple as food.

14. He Once Owned an Airline

In the late 1980s, Donald Trump expanded his business empire into the airline industry by purchasing Eastern Air Shuttle, a regional carrier that operated between New York, Washington, D.C., and Boston. Trump rebranded the airline as Trump Shuttle, decking out the planes with gold-plated fixtures and luxury interiors. However, the airline struggled financially from the start, facing tough competition from established carriers and dealing with rising fuel costs. Despite Trump’s efforts to market the airline as a luxury experience, it failed to attract enough passengers to stay afloat. By 1992, Trump was forced to sell the airline to creditors, marking one of his more high-profile business failures. Though Trump Shuttle lasted only a few years, it remains a fascinating chapter in Trump’s career, showcasing both his ambition to expand into new industries and the challenges he faced in doing so.

15. He's the First President to Be Impeached Twice

Donald Trump made history as the first U.S. president to be impeached twice during his time in office. His first impeachment, in December 2019, stemmed from allegations that he pressured Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden and his son, Hunter, in exchange for military aid. The House of Representatives voted to impeach Trump on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. However, the Senate acquitted him in February 2020, allowing him to remain in office. Less than a year later, following the January 6 Capitol riots, Trump faced his second impeachment. This time, he was charged with incitement of insurrection after his supporters stormed the Capitol building in an attempt to overturn the 2020 election results. Though the House impeached him again, the Senate once more acquitted him, making Trump the first president to face—and survive—two impeachments in a single term.

16. Trump's Twitter Ban Was Historic

Donald Trump’s use of Twitter was one of the defining features of his presidency. With over 88 million followers, Trump used the platform to communicate directly with the American public, bypassing traditional media outlets and often making headlines with his controversial tweets. However, in January 2021, following the Capitol riots, Twitter permanently suspended Trump’s account, citing the risk of further incitement of violence. The ban was a major moment in social media history, as it marked the first time a sitting U.S. president had been de-platformed by a major tech company. The decision sparked intense debate about free speech, censorship, and the role of social media in politics. While Trump has since launched his own social media platform, Truth Social, the Twitter ban remains a pivotal moment in his political career and a symbol of the growing influence of tech companies in shaping public discourse.

17. He's Obsessed with Gold

If there’s one thing Donald Trump loves, it’s gold. From his properties to his personal brand, gold is a recurring theme in Trump’s world. Trump Tower in Manhattan is famous for its opulent design, complete with gold-plated fixtures and lavish decor. Even the interior of Trump’s private Boeing 757 jet is adorned with gold accents, from the seatbelts to the bathroom faucets. This obsession with gold extends to his personal style as well—Trump is often seen wearing gold cufflinks and watches. The color has become synonymous with the Trump brand, symbolizing wealth, success, and luxury. Whether it’s his hotels, casinos, or personal belongings, Trump’s love for gold is undeniable, and it has played a significant role in crafting his image as a billionaire businessman. To Trump, gold isn’t just a color; it’s a statement of his larger-than-life persona.

18. He's Got a Surprisingly Diverse Music Taste

While Donald Trump may be more associated with real estate and politics than music, he actually has a pretty eclectic taste in tunes. During his 2016 and 2020 campaigns, Trump frequently played classic rock songs at rallies, with hits from artists like The Rolling Stones, Elton John, and Queen providing the soundtrack to his events. However, his love for music goes beyond just classic rock. In interviews, Trump has mentioned that he enjoys everything from opera to Broadway musicals, with Phantom of the Opera being one of his all-time favorites. He’s also a fan of pop music and has been known to reference popular songs and artists in his speeches and tweets. Despite some musicians publicly opposing the use of their songs at his rallies, Trump’s rallies remained known for their high-energy soundtracks, mixing old-school rock with contemporary hits.

19. He's the First President Without Military or Political Experience

Before Donald Trump entered the political arena, he had never held public office or served in the military, making him the first U.S. president to come from a purely business background. This lack of traditional political experience was both a selling point and a source of criticism during his 2016 campaign. Supporters saw Trump as an outsider who could bring fresh ideas and a business-minded approach to government, while critics argued that his lack of experience made him unfit for the highest office in the land. Despite this, Trump’s outsider status resonated with voters who were tired of career politicians and looking for a change. His 2016 victory shocked the political establishment and showed that a candidate without military or political experience could still win the presidency. Trump’s unconventional path to the White House is one of the most significant aspects of his political legacy.

20. He's Running for President Again in 2024

In November 2022, Donald Trump announced his candidacy for the 2024 presidential election, marking his third run for the White House. If successful, Trump would become only the second president in U.S. history to serve two non-consecutive terms, following Grover Cleveland in the late 19th century. Trump’s decision to run again comes after a tumultuous first term in office, during which he faced two impeachments, a global pandemic, and a deeply polarized political landscape. His 2024 campaign promises to "Make America Great Again" once more, with Trump focusing on issues like immigration, crime, and economic growth. Despite his controversial tenure as president, Trump remains a dominant force in the Republican Party and retains a loyal base of supporters. As he seeks to return to the Oval Office, Trump’s 2024 run will undoubtedly be one of the most closely watched political events in modern history.

Donald Trump continues to be one of the most polarizing figures in modern history. Whether you’re a fan or not, there’s no denying his ability to stay relevant and keep people talking. As he eyes another shot at the presidency in 2024, these 20 fun and surprising facts give you a peek behind the curtain at the man who refuses to be out of the spotlight.

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