Donald Trump has secured a second term in the White House, marking a historic comeback after his 2020 electoral defeat. Winning the 2024 presidential election by surpassing the 270 Electoral College votes needed, Trump edged out his opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, reclaiming the Oval Office.
This marks Trump as only the second former president to return to office after losing reelection—a remarkable feat for a leader whose first term was marked by significant policy changes and high-profile controversies.
As he prepares to take on his second term, Trump has already laid out some ambitious goals. Among his promises are implementing the largest deportation program in U.S. history, reimposing a travel ban on several predominantly Muslim countries, sealing the U.S. border, and setting a new 10-20% tariff on nations that he claims have “been ripping us off.”
His stance on Ukraine and Russia could also shift dramatically, with Trump suggesting that Ukraine may need to make concessions as part of a broader peace agreement with Russia.
While we look ahead to the potential impact of Trump’s return to the presidency, let’s take a step back to reflect on his first term and the significant events that shaped his time in office. How much do you remember about Donald Trump’s initial time as the 45th President of the United States? Test your knowledge with our quiz below!
Donald Trump Quiz: How Well Do You Know His First Term?
Whether you supported him or not, Donald Trump’s influence on American politics and business is undeniable. This quiz will challenge your understanding of his first term and his journey to becoming one of the most talked-about political figures in recent history.
Get ready to dive into the details of Trump’s policies, controversies, and achievements.
1. Who did Donald Trump defeat in the 2016 presidential election?
- A) Bernie Sanders
- B) Hillary Clinton
- C) Barack Obama
- D) Joe Biden
Answer: B) Hillary Clinton
2. In what year did Donald Trump officially become the 45th President of the United States?
- A) 2014
- B) 2016
- C) 2017
- D) 2018
Answer: C) 2017
3. What is the name of Donald Trump’s real estate company?
- A) Trump Enterprises
- B) Trump Organization
- C) Trump Real Estate
- D) Trump Group
Answer: B) Trump Organization
4. Which political party did Donald Trump represent in the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections?
- A) Democratic Party
- B) Libertarian Party
- C) Independent
- D) Republican Party
Answer: D) Republican Party
5. What is the name of Donald Trump’s first wife?
- A) Ivana Trump
- B) Melania Trump
- C) Tiffany Trump
- D) Ivanka Trump
Answer: A) Ivana Trump
6. In which country did Donald Trump meet with Kim Jong-un to discuss nuclear disarmament?
- A) South Korea
- B) North Korea
- C) Singapore
- D) Japan
Answer: C) Singapore
7. Donald Trump was born in which U.S. city?
- A) Boston
- B) New York City
- C) Washington, D.C.
- D) Philadelphia
Answer: B) New York City
8. Before his presidency, what was the name of the reality TV show Donald Trump hosted?
- A) The Apprentice
- B) Survivor
- C) The Bachelor
- D) Big Brother
Answer: A) The Apprentice
9. Which major international agreement did Donald Trump withdraw the U.S. from in 2017?
- A) United Nations
- B) NATO Treaty
- C) Iran Nuclear Deal
- D) Paris Climate Agreement
Answer: D) Paris Climate Agreement
10. What was Donald Trump’s primary business focus before becoming president?
- A) Real Estate
- B) Oil and Gas
- C) Technology
- D) Retail
Answer: A) Real Estate
Trump’s First Term: Key Policies and Decisions
During his first term, Trump introduced several policies that transformed the U.S. political and economic landscape. Here’s a look back at some of the most notable aspects of his administration:
Immigration Policy and the Border Wall
One of Trump’s most widely publicized initiatives was his commitment to building a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, aimed at reducing illegal immigration. While only parts of the wall were completed, Trump’s immigration policies led to significant changes, including increased border security and restrictions on asylum seekers.
Travel Ban on Predominantly Muslim Countries
Early in his presidency, Trump enacted a travel ban targeting travelers from several predominantly Muslim countries. This executive order faced numerous legal challenges and was revised multiple times, ultimately becoming one of the most contentious policies of his administration.
Tax Reform
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 was a landmark piece of legislation signed by Trump, aimed at reducing taxes for both individuals and corporations. Supporters argued it spurred economic growth, while critics claimed it disproportionately benefited the wealthy and increased the national debt.
Trade War with China
Trump’s “America First” policy led to a series of trade disputes, most notably with China. By imposing tariffs on Chinese imports, Trump aimed to reduce the trade deficit and encourage American manufacturing. This trade war had far-reaching effects on global markets and impacted various industries.
Environmental Policy Changes
Trump’s administration took significant steps to roll back environmental regulations, with an emphasis on promoting U.S. energy independence. His withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement drew international criticism, as it marked a departure from global efforts to address climate change.
Foreign Relations and Diplomatic Controversies
Trump’s approach to foreign policy was notably different from his predecessors. His meetings with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un were unprecedented, and he pursued a closer relationship with Russia’s Vladimir Putin, sparking intense debate within the U.S. and abroad. He also placed strong pressure on NATO allies to increase their defense spending, arguing that the U.S. was contributing disproportionately to the alliance.
Donald Trump’s Legacy and Influence on American Politics
Donald Trump’s first term as president left a lasting impact on American politics, reshaping the Republican Party and sparking debates on issues ranging from immigration and healthcare to environmental policy. His presidency was characterized by a style that broke traditional political norms and energized both his supporters and critics.
As he returns for a second term, Trump’s influence continues to be felt. Whether you agree with his policies or not, there’s no denying that Donald Trump has played a defining role in modern American politics. His approach to leadership and his commitment to his base have kept him at the center of public discourse for years, and his second term promises to bring new policies and likely more controversy.
Conclusion:
Love him or hate him, Donald Trump’s presidency has been one of the most impactful in recent history. His return to the White House raises questions about what his second term will look like and how his policies will shape the future.
For those who’ve followed his journey from real estate mogul to reality TV star to president, there’s plenty to reflect on as we anticipate what’s to come.