15 Key Numbers in the Life and Legacy of Donald Trump: Business, Media, and Presidency

3. 1971 – Trump Joins the Family Business

• In 1971, Donald Trump took control of the family’s real estate business, which he rebranded as The Trump Organization. At just 25 years old, he sought to expand its reach beyond residential rentals in Queens to more ambitious projects in Manhattan. His first major project, the Commodore Hotel redevelopment, showcased his bold approach, negotiating lucrative tax abatements that set the stage for a career filled with high-stakes deals. This marked Trump’s shift from inheriting wealth to creating it, transforming a regional business into an international brand.