Few could lay claim to living the American Dream of fame and financial success, but hotelier and casino mogul Donald Trump did – though his prosperity was not without its consequences. Trump, or "The Donald" as he was famously dubbed by ex-wife Ivana, mastered the art of deal making, starting with utilizing his inherent ruthlessness and cunning. A success in the business world, Trump also managed to become famous for his brazen and unabashed personality, allowing him to be both darling and dupe of the media. Never one to miss the hottest trend, Trump jumped on board the reality TV bandwagon,
At the age of 26, proposed the rebuilding of the aging Commodore Hotel above Grand Central Station into the luxury Grand Hyatt; went on to build Trump Parc and The Plaza Hotel
1983
Opened the 69-storey Trump Towers condominium and retail building on Fifth Avenue
1984
Entered into the casino business in Atlantic City and New Jersey; includes The Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort
1984
Purchased the New Jersey Generals football club of the United States Football League (USFL); the league folded a few years later
1990
Was forced into bankruptcy for over $2 billion in bank loans that he couldn't pay
