Donald Trump's Fordham University Years: A Glimpse into the Early Life of a Future President

Donald John Trump, a prominent figure in American politics, media, and business, served as the 45th and 47th president of the United States. Born on June 14, 1946, in New York City, he is the son of Fred Trump, a real-estate developer, and Mary Anne MacLeod Trump, a Scottish immigrant. Before his ascent to the highest office in the nation, Trump's formative years included a period of study at Fordham University, a private Jesuit research university in the Bronx. This article delves into Trump's time at Fordham, exploring his academic pursuits, extracurricular activities, and the factors that led to his eventual transfer to the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Early Life and Education

Trump's educational journey began at the Kew-Forest School, a private institution affiliated with his father. He displayed an early aptitude for sports, particularly baseball. However, his behavior led his father to enroll him at the New York Military Academy (NYMA). At NYMA, Trump achieved the rank of captain.

After graduating from NYMA, Trump chose to attend Fordham University in 1964. His sister Maryanne said she helped get him into Fordham.

Fordham University: A Stepping Stone

Trump's decision to attend Fordham was influenced by its proximity to his family's home in Jamaica Estates, Queens. He commuted to the Rose Hill campus. At Fordham, Trump studied economics.

Academic and Extracurricular Pursuits

As a freshman, Trump's wealth and military background set him apart from other students, as did his abstinence from smoking and drinking. He joined the school's squash team that year and sought to integrate himself into the culture. He joined the school's squash team that year and sought to integrate himself into the culture. He also participated in Fordham's tennis team and was recruited for the school's Division III football club as a punter but quit in about three or four weeks after he injured his ankle.

ROTC and the Vietnam War

Trump participated in Fordham's Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program but withdrew his sophomore year as the Vietnam War escalated. Cadets commit to being assigned as commissioned officers, assuring that they would be given a tour of duty in Vietnam.

The Triboro Bridge Toll Anecdote

A common anecdote comes to the minds of President Donald Trump’s former classmates when asked about their interactions with him during his time at Fordham University. When students commuted to school together from Queens to Fordham’s Bronx campus in 1965, the custom was to take turns paying the $0.25 toll across the Triboro Bridge, according to two alumni.

Impressions and Recollections

In interviews with more than 60 alumni, a picture emerges of what the current president was like during his time at Fordham. The consensus among friends, acquaintances and observers of Donald Trump described him as an athletic and affable young man, even if he did keep his distance from other students. Most knew “the Donald” from classes, playing golf or other sports with him or commuting to school. Brian Fitzgibbon, GSB ’68, said he was friendly but not friends with Trump. “He was a bit of a loner all those years ago and I really can’t recall his being close with anyone,” said Fitzgibbon. “He complained to me on one of our rides to school that there were too many Italian and Irish students at Fordham. Stephen Bishop, GSB ’68, said he was impressed by Trump’s classroom presence. “He always wore a suit,” said Bishop. Despite his trappings and background in the wealth of New York real estate, many alumni said Trump was easy to relate to. “Roger Gedgard . . . frequently carried on conversations with Donald about sports,” said James Short, GSB ’68. “Roger was a very enthusiastic sports fan -just a regular guy, from modest means like many of us. Trump did not seem to make much of a foothold at the school or in the memories of alumni, despite his golf outings, involvement in school sports and trips commuting with other students.

The Decision to Transfer

Early in Trump's sophomore year, he told an NYMA alumnus that he was transferring to the Wharton School to "make better contacts for [his] future." Brother Freddy later contacted a high school friend who worked at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) admissions office to admit Trump although he met the grade requirement and the school was not yet selective at the time. UPenn's prestige appealed to the Trumps. According to Michael D'Antonio in Never Enough (2015), Fred was insistent that his son graduate from an Ivy League institution, despite Trump's desires to forgo formal education.

Transition to Wharton and Beyond

Trump transferred to the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, an institution favored by his father, early in his sophomore year. He graduated from the Wharton School in May 1968 with a Bachelor of Science degree in economics. His graduation made him eligible for the draft after education deferments for attending Fordham University and UPenn. He visited a podiatrist who discovered that Trump had bone spurs in his heels-Trump could play sports but was disqualified from the military.

Later Life

He became the president of his family's real estate business in 1971, renamed it the Trump Organization, and began acquiring and building skyscrapers, hotels, casinos, and golf courses. From 2004 to 2015, he hosted the reality television show The Apprentice, bolstering his fame as a billionaire.

In 2016, Trump won the election with 306 pledged electoral votes versus 232 for Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. Taking the oath of office, administered by Chief Justice John G. Trump was inaugurated on January 20, 2017.

In November 2022, Trump announced his candidacy for the 2024 presidential election and created a fundraising account.

Controversies and Legal Issues

Throughout his career, Trump has faced numerous controversies and legal challenges. These include:

Allegations of tax schemes and business bankruptcies.
Lawsuits involving Trump University.
Impeachments by the House of Representatives.
Investigations into his business practices.
Accusations of sexual misconduct.
Promotion of conspiracy theories.

Trump's Legacy and Impact

Trump's leadership style and political agenda have reshaped the Republican Party's identity. His comments and actions have been characterized as racist or misogynistic. He has made many false or misleading statements during his campaigns and presidency, to a degree unprecedented in American politics.

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The Threat to Release Records

During Trump's 2016 campaign for the presidential election, someone from his team called Fordham University for assurance that it would not release any of Trump's records. Fordham later received a follow-up letter from a Trump attorney, "summarizing the call and reminding us that they would take action against the university if we did, in fact, release Mr. Trump's records." Cohen emphasized that violating Trump's confidentiality could result in "both criminal and civil liability and damages including, among other things, substantial fines, penalties and even the potential loss of government aid and other funding.

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