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1987 Donald Trump: The Year His Star Really Began To Shine

The Secret to Donald Trump’s Success | GQ

Jul 30, 2025
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The Secret to Donald Trump’s Success | GQ

Stepping back to 1987, we find Donald Trump in a fascinating moment, a period where his public profile truly started to soar beyond the business world. This was a year that saw him make significant moves, not just in real estate, but also in the public eye, shaping the way many people would come to know him. It's a time worth looking at, really, to understand the foundations of his later public life.

You know, for someone who became such a prominent figure, it's pretty interesting to see what he was up to before the widespread fame. In 1987, he was certainly a known name in New York business circles, but his ambitions were clearly growing, stretching beyond just buildings and casinos. It was a time of big projects and even bigger ideas, so to speak.

So, we'll take a look at what made 1987 such a pivotal year for Donald Trump, exploring his major projects, his growing media presence, and how his name started to become a household word. We'll also, as a matter of fact, touch on some other things happening in the world during that same year, just to give you a bit of context for the times.

Table of Contents

Biography and Personal Details

Donald John Trump was born in Queens, New York, on June 14, 1946. His father, Fred Trump, was a real estate developer, and Donald learned a lot about the business from him. By 1987, Donald Trump was already making a name for himself as a developer in his own right, known for his bold projects and sometimes, frankly, his outspoken style. He was, in a way, just hitting his stride in that particular year.

DetailInformation (as of 1987)
Full NameDonald John Trump
Date of BirthJune 14, 1946
Age in 198741 years old
Place of BirthQueens, New York
OccupationReal Estate Developer, Businessman, Author
Marital StatusMarried to Ivana Trump
Known ForLarge-scale real estate projects, casinos, media appearances

The Art of the Deal: A Literary Sensation

One of the absolutely biggest things that happened for Donald Trump in 1987 was the release of his book, "Trump: The Art of the Deal." This book, co-written with Tony Schwartz, became a massive bestseller. It really offered a look into his business philosophy and his approach to making deals. It was, you know, a very influential book at the time, giving many people their first real insight into his way of thinking about business and life.

The book itself wasn't just about business strategies; it was also a personal story, in a way, sharing anecdotes from his life and career. It presented him as a savvy, tough negotiator who always aimed for the best outcome. The popularity of "The Art of the Deal" helped to solidify his image as a successful and somewhat larger-than-life figure. It really, truly, expanded his reach beyond just the business pages, into general conversation. People were, basically, talking about it everywhere.

This book, arguably, became a blueprint for how many people perceived him for years to come. It taught readers about his aggressive style, his focus on publicity, and his belief in thinking big. It's almost like, the book itself was a deal, presenting a certain image of success. For anyone interested in his early public image, this book is a pretty key piece of the puzzle, actually.

Expanding the Empire: Atlantic City and Beyond

In 1987, Donald Trump was very much involved in his Atlantic City casino ventures. He had the Trump Plaza and Trump's Castle, and he was working on what would become the Taj Mahal. These were huge projects, really, requiring a lot of money and a lot of attention. His presence in Atlantic City was, in some respects, a defining part of his business identity during this period.

The casino business was a high-stakes game, and Trump was playing it with his usual flair. He was often in the news for his dealings there, whether it was about financing, construction, or competition. It was, frankly, a very dynamic time for him in that particular sector. He was constantly pushing boundaries, trying to make his properties stand out from the rest, you know.

Beyond Atlantic City, his real estate interests in New York City were still very much active. Trump Tower, which had opened a few years earlier, was a symbol of his success. He was constantly looking for new opportunities, new buildings to acquire or develop. This period, arguably, showcased his relentless drive to grow his business holdings. He was, quite literally, building an empire, brick by brick, during this time.

A Flirtation with Politics

Interestingly enough, 1987 was also the year Donald Trump first really dipped his toes into the political waters, at least publicly. There was a period where he considered running for president. He even traveled to New Hampshire, a key state for presidential campaigns, and spoke at some events. It was, in a way, a very early sign of his interest in a different kind of public service.

This political exploration, while it didn't lead to a campaign at that time, certainly got people talking. It showed that his ambitions weren't limited to just business. He was, you know, already thinking about influencing things on a larger scale. This was, basically, a pretty big deal for someone who was primarily known as a real estate mogul. It hinted at what was to come, decades later.

His statements during this time often focused on what he saw as problems with how the country was being run, particularly concerning trade and foreign policy. He presented himself as an outsider who could get things done. It was, sort of, a preview of the populist message he would later refine. This initial political foray was, really, a curious footnote in his 1987 story, yet it holds a lot of meaning looking back.

Public Persona and Media Presence

By 1987, Donald Trump had developed a very distinct public persona. He was known for being flashy, confident, and always ready to speak his mind. He was, actually, a frequent guest on talk shows and news programs, always generating headlines. His media presence was, in some respects, as important as his business dealings in building his brand.

He understood the power of the media, arguably better than many business people of his time. He knew how to get attention, how to make himself a topic of conversation. This was, just a little, part of his "Art of the Deal" philosophy, really. He used the media to promote his projects, to build his image, and to, well, just keep his name out there. He was, you know, a master of self-promotion.

His interviews and public statements were often bold and sometimes controversial, but they always kept people engaged. He was, pretty much, a celebrity in his own right, even before reality TV. This period cemented his image as a larger-than-life figure, someone who was, essentially, always in the spotlight. It was a very public year for him, indeed.

A Look Back at 1987: Beyond the Business World

While Donald Trump was making headlines with his book and business ventures, 1987 was, naturally, a year filled with many other interesting happenings around the globe. It's sometimes helpful to remember that life goes on in many different ways, even when one person is making a big splash. This was, basically, a year where a lot of different things were taking place, from pop culture to new technologies.

For instance, in the world of video games and comics, fans of Team Fortress 2 might find it interesting that the character of the Scout from TF2, as a matter of fact, canonically dies on December 4th, 1987. This is shown in the comics and even as an easter egg in the "Expiration Date" trailer. So, while Trump was busy with his deals, fictional characters were, you know, having their own dramatic moments.

In the world of entertainment, the movie "Hellraiser" came out in 1987. It was, quite honestly, a film that really conflicted some viewers, but many absolutely adored the craftsmanship, the incredible practical effects, and the memorable creature designs. The ideas in it were, in a way, quite original and thought-provoking. It was a film that, arguably, left a strong impression on people, showing what creative vision could achieve.

For wrestling fans, 1987 brought a very big story: the creation of Survivor Series. This event, as a matter of fact, was a huge deal, and some say it marked the beginning of the end for the NWA, a rival wrestling organization. It's almost like, you could argue that if Ted Turner hadn't bought it, the NWA might have gone out of business a lot sooner than 2001, all because of Survivor Series. This was, in short, a pivotal moment for professional wrestling, changing the landscape of the sport considerably. Wrestling Observer Rewind, for December 28, 1987, often looks back at these kinds of highlights, providing a look at the news of the day, continuing in the footsteps of those who chronicle wrestling history. You can learn more about wrestling history on sites like that, if you're curious.

Technology was also moving forward, you know. 1987 saw comments about the world's first commercial 3D printer. People were talking about things like the Ender 3v2, Klipper, and BLTouch, showing that even then, people were thinking about how these machines would change things. It was, in a way, the very early days of a technology that would become much more common later on. You could, perhaps, see it as a quiet revolution beginning to take shape.

On the roads, people were curious about cars like the 1987 Firebird Trans Am. Folks wondered how much it would have cost brand new in '87, and what happened to its price in the years that followed. It was, pretty much, a classic car of its era, and its value changes over time are, basically, a point of interest for collectors and car enthusiasts. It just shows how different aspects of life, from cars to movies, were evolving during that same period.

We also hear about everyday life, like Dale, who worked as a maintenance man and security guard at a plant. He arrived at the plant on Saturday, September 12, 1987. These small details, you know, remind us that while big events were unfolding, regular people were, essentially, going about their daily routines. It's a snapshot of a moment in time, really, capturing the broader picture of life in that year. You can learn more about our site's historical records to get more context.

So, while Donald Trump was very much in the spotlight, 1987 was a year that held many other stories, from the fictional demise of a video game character to the birth of a major wrestling event, and the quiet march of new technologies. It was, in some respects, a very full year, indeed, for a lot of different reasons.

Frequently Asked Questions About 1987 Donald Trump

What was Donald Trump's main business focus in 1987?

In 1987, Donald Trump was primarily focused on expanding his real estate and casino empire, especially in Atlantic City with properties like Trump Plaza and Trump's Castle. He was, you know, very much involved in those large-scale developments.

Did Donald Trump write "The Art of the Deal" in 1987?

Yes, "Trump: The Art of the Deal" was released in 1987. It became a very popular book, giving readers insight into his business philosophy and personal style. It was, basically, a huge part of his public image that year.

Was Donald Trump involved in politics in 1987?

He did, in fact, explore a potential presidential run in 1987, even making appearances in New Hampshire. While he didn't launch a full campaign then, it was, arguably, his first public flirtation with national politics, showing a different kind of ambition.

Conclusion

Looking back at 1987, it's clear that this was a truly significant year for Donald Trump. His book, "The Art of the Deal," put his name and his business philosophy into countless homes. His casino ventures in Atlantic City were growing, and he was even, you know, publicly considering a run for the presidency. This period really set the stage for his later prominence, shaping how many people saw him for decades to come. It was, in some respects, a year of big moves and growing influence, a time when his unique public persona began to solidify. It’s a period that continues to interest many, showing the early steps of a figure who would, in time, become widely known.

The Secret to Donald Trump’s Success | GQ
The Secret to Donald Trump’s Success | GQ
Trump told the WSJ in 1987 he sold 'all' his stocks before the crash
Trump told the WSJ in 1987 he sold 'all' his stocks before the crash
Donald Trump (Future) - Mock Elections Wiki
Donald Trump (Future) - Mock Elections Wiki

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