Republican Party front-runner and business magnate Donald Trump has been elected as the 45th President of the United States of America.
70-year-old Trump had secured 288 of the votes against his opponent Hillary Clinton who gained 215 of the votes as at Wednesday morning.
In percentage terms, Trump had polled 47.9% (representing 57.6 million votes) as against Clinton’s 47.3% (56.8 million votes.)
The November 8 election was keenly contested after months of heated campaigns.
Donald John Trump
Background
Donald Trump, born in New York City, Trump is a year older than Hillary. He was born on June 13, 1946. Trump stands the chance to be the first person with no public service record to rise to the highest office of the land.
Academics
Trump attended, Fordham University in the Bronx, New York for two years starting from August 1964. He transferred to Wharton School of Finance and Commerce at the University of Pennsylvania. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Economics/Real Estate.
Business record
Trump has zero record of public service but boasts a business trajectory that spans mainly from real estate ventures to other businesses. Since taking control of his father Fred Trump’s real estate and construction firm in 1971, he has expanded it by building office towers, casinos, golf courses and other facilities.
He has also been involved in the beauty pageant business having been associated with the Miss USA pageant between 1996 and 2015. He also has a media presence of appearances in films and television reality programs. Donald Trump has never held elective office.
Trump’s business positions held
- Chairman, Trump Hotels and Casino Resorts, Incorporated
- Founder/Chairman/President/Chief Executive Officer, The Trump Organization, 1975-present
Family
His current spouse is Melania Trump. Trump has five children, Donald Jr., Ivanka, Eric, Tiffany and Barron. Faith wise, Trump is a Protestant
Social media reach – Hillary vs. Trump
The use of social media in this campaign has been very poignant. Facebook and Twitter have particularly played a key role for both candidates. Going by the numbers as at today (with a day to the polls – November 7), Trump has large following on both platforms.
Twitter
Trump leads with 12.9 million, 33,915 tweets and is following 41 accounts
Facebook
Trump is inching closer to the 12 million mark (11.9 million followers currently)
