Fred Trump was a businessman and a real estate developer. He was the father to Donald Trump, the 45th and 47th president of the United States. The life and work of Fred had a significant influence on the future of Donald. Let us proceed with a detail about the life and legacy of Fred Trump.
Quick Facts About Fred Trump
| Full Name | Frederick Christ Trump Sr. |
| Birthdate | October 11, 1905 |
| Occupation | Real estate developer, businessman |
| Husband/Wife | Mary Anne MacLeod Trump (married in 1936) |
| Education | Richmond Hill High School (1918–1923) |
| Age | 93 (at the time of his death on 25 June 1999) |
| Parents | Friedrich Trump (Father), Elizabeth Christ Trump (Mother) |
| Grandchildren | Barron Trump, Ivanka Trump, Tiffany Trump, Eric Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Fred C. Trump III, Mary L. Trump, David William Desmond |
| Children | Maryanne Trump Barry, Fred Trump Jr., Robert Trump, Elizabeth Trump Grau, Donald Trump |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $300 million at the time of his death |
Early Life and Family Background
Fred Trump was born on October 11, 1905, in The Bronx in New York City. His parents were German immigrants. His father, Friedrich Trump, immigrated to America during the Klondike Gold Rush. He acquired his wealth through operating a restaurant and brothel for miners in Alaska.
Fred grew up in Queens, New York. He has worked hard from the time he was young, doing a delivery boy and caddy job. He attended Richmond Hill High School but also studied construction by attending night school and working on a practical basis.
Starting a Business
At the age of 15, Fred began his own construction company. He initially constructed garages for automobiles. Gradually, he moved to bigger projects. He started building residential structures, such as apartments and houses. His activities were primarily in New York City’s outer boroughs, such as Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island.
Fred’s enterprise prospered. He constructed houses for individuals who were employed in World War II. His firm addressed the need for houses during that time. Fred constructed more than 27,000 apartments and houses by the 1970s.
Fred Trump’s Family and Personal Life
Fred Trump wed Mary Anne MacLeod in 1936. She was of Scottish descent and had immigrated to America. They had five children together, which were Maryanne, Fred Jr., Elizabeth, Donald, and Robert.
Fred’s children all went their separate ways. Maryanne became a federal judge, and Fred Jr. worked in the family business. Unfortunately, Fred Jr. had a problem with alcohol and died young. This loss hit Fred Trump and his son, Donald, hard. Donald has frequently stated that his brother’s alcohol problems were a major reason he never drank.
Donald Trump, the youngest son, joined his father’s business in the 1970s. Fred remained involved, but Donald quickly took on more responsibility and eventually became president of the Trump Organization.
Fred’s Business Practices
Fred Trump was a skilled businessman. His career, though, was not controversy-free. In the 1960s and 1950s, Fred was investigated. The U.S. Senate and New York State investigated whether or not Fred was unfairly profiting from his business transactions.
In spite of all these setbacks, Fred went on to amass more wealth. At the time of his death, he had amassed a fortune worth $300 million. This fortune went to his children, including Donald.
Fred Trump also assisted his son Donald in getting into business. Donald once stated that Fred provided him with a “small loan of a million dollars” to begin his own business. But later reports indicated that Fred provided Donald with much greater financial assistance, including loans worth over $60 million.
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Fred Trump’s Legacy
Fred Trump’s legacy continues to be felt today, particularly through his son Donald. Fred’s real estate business provided the groundwork for Donald’s career. The Trump Organization became one of the most well-known real estate firms in the world.
Fred Trump also made his children, such as Donald, rich and prosperous. His legacy, though, is not strictly financial. He influenced his children’s mindset on business, power, and family. Donald frequently spoke about Fred teaching him hard work, grit, and drive.
Fred Trump died on June 25, 1999, at the age of 93. He was laid to rest in New York City. Though he is credited with creating a real estate empire, his legacy is also connected with the life and careers of his children, particularly that of Donald and his ascension to fame and politics.
