Donald Trump: Deal Maker

He is a modern Midas who elevated the business of deal-making to an art form and came to epitomize a glitzy, greedy era, only to see his fortunes and fame threatened by changing times. By the age of 40, Donald Trump was one of New York's most successful real estate developers. The epitome of the '80s glamour, he had a high profile wife, a lavish lifestyle and public adulation. But as the decade ended, it seemed that his luck went with it. Here is the story of his incredible rise, decline and improbable rebirth as a mogul for the '90s. Donald Trump: Deal Maker would be useful for classes on American History, Economics, American Culture and Urban History. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

• acquisition
• controversial
• epitomize
• euphemism
• expectations
• fastidious
• flourish
• foray
• mogul
• tabloid
• tempestuous
• wane

1. Donald Trump's father was a successful real estate developer in his own right. How did Donald's father and Donald's childhood experiences influence his business career?

2. Donald Trump is a celebrity. His image has appeared on almost every major publication around the world. Why is the public so fascinated with Donald Trump? Why do people like to read about and follow the lives of rich and famous people?

3. Donald Trump's rapid rise and decline occurred mostly in the decade of the 1980s. How did Trump's experience exemplify the decade? Can Trump be used as a symbol for the decade?

4. One of Trump's helicopters crashed killing three of his executives. How did this affect Trump?

5. When Donald and Ivana Trump divorced, it was played out in the tabloids and magazines. Why was their divorce so public? Why was his romance with Marla Maples so public?

6. Does Donald Trump exemplify the American dream? If so, why? If not, why not?

7. Some have speculated that Donald Trump will run for political office. Should Donald Trump become a politician? Do you think he would make a good statesman?

8. How has Donald Trump changed the skyline and the face of New York City?

1. Graph the economic conditions in the decade of the 1980s and Donald Trump's empire. What is the relation between the two?

2. Create a real estate advertisement for a luxury apartment in Trump Tower in New York City.

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