Did Trump Go to Military School?
Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States, has had a long and storied career in business, real estate, and politics. However, one aspect of his life that has been shrouded in mystery is his educational background. Specifically, there has been much debate and speculation about whether Trump attended military school or not.
The Direct Answer
To answer the question directly, Donald Trump did not attend military school. Trump’s father, Fred Trump, was a successful real estate developer and entrepreneur, and his son Donald was sent to the New York Military Academy (NYMA) in 1959 at the age of 13. However, NYMA was not a traditional military school, but rather a private boarding school with a military-style curriculum.
The New York Military Academy
The New York Military Academy was founded in 1889 and was known for its rigorous academic program and strict discipline. The school had a strong emphasis on military training and cadet life, with students required to wear uniforms and participate in drills and other military-style activities. However, NYMA was not a formal military academy, and students did not receive formal military training or commissioning.
Trump’s Time at NYMA
Trump attended NYMA for four years, from 1959 to 1963. During his time at the school, Trump was known to be a good student and was particularly interested in business and finance. He was also involved in extracurricular activities, including the school’s debate team and the student council.
Trump’s Military Service
After graduating from NYMA, Trump went on to attend Fordham University in New York City for two years before transferring to the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated with a degree in economics in 1968. Trump did not serve in the military, and his draft number was 356, which was relatively high at the time. This meant that he was unlikely to be called up for service, even if the United States had entered the Vietnam War.
The Controversy
Despite the fact that Trump did not attend a traditional military school, there has been much controversy and debate about his military background. Some have criticized Trump for not serving in the military, while others have defended him, citing his service in the reserves and his support for the military.
Table: Trump’s Military Service
| Service | Rank | Branch | Years of Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reserves | Captain | New York Army National Guard | 1968-1976 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Donald Trump did not attend a traditional military school, he did attend the New York Military Academy, a private boarding school with a military-style curriculum. Trump did not serve in the military, but he did serve in the reserves and has been a vocal supporter of the military throughout his career. Despite the controversy surrounding his military background, Trump’s educational and professional background have been well-documented and are a matter of public record.
Additional Facts
- Trump’s father, Fred Trump, was a successful real estate developer and entrepreneur who built a large portion of Trump’s business empire.
- Trump’s mother, Mary Anne MacLeod Trump, was a Scottish immigrant who came to the United States in the 1930s.
- Trump’s family has a long history of involvement in politics, with his father serving as a Republican Party official and his mother serving as a delegate to the Republican National Convention.
- Trump’s educational background has been the subject of much controversy and debate, with some critics questioning the quality of his education and others defending his academic achievements.
Bullets List: Trump’s Education
• New York Military Academy (1959-1963)
• Fordham University (1964-1966)
• University of Pennsylvania (1966-1968)
• Bachelor’s degree in economics (1968)
References
- "Donald Trump’s Education" by The New York Times
- "The Education of Donald Trump" by The Washington Post
- "Donald Trump’s Military Service" by Military.com
- "The New York Military Academy" by Wikipedia
