These ’90s Era Photos Of Donald Trump Prove He Hasn’t Changed A Bit
I bet when you first heard of Donald Trump back in the '90s, you didn't think, "you know what, this man could be president one day." How much do you really know about Donald Trump anyway?
His name has always been associated with wealth, success, and privilege. He's always enjoyed the finer things in life. Things aren't all that different in the post-Trump era. Read on to see photos from 90s-era Donald Trump that prove he hasn't changed much at all.
Donald Trump Enjoys The Finer Things In Life
Do you think 'The Donald' was a stud back in the day? Well, Ivana seemed to think so. She's the one who gave him that iconic nickname.
Ivana was Trump's first wife and the mother of his children Ivanka, Donald Jr., and Eric. They were married for 15 years before they divorced in 1992. I guess some things just aren't meant to last. Still, 15 years is a long time.
Dressed To Impress
Donald Trump has a very specific sense of style. You've probably seen him wearing a red tie on more than one occasion. Apparently, that's something Trump learned in business school— wear a red tie to assert power and dominance.
Donald Trump took that lesson to heart (he attended the Wharton School of Business) because he almost always wore a red tie in the 90s and still does it to this day.
Trump Enjoys Pizza And Fast Food
Believe it or not, Donald Trump was actually in a Pizza Hut commercial in the '90s. I wonder how Pizza Hut feels about that now.
Even though Trump has a bunch of money, he still enjoys eating pizza and fast food whenever he gets the chance. I mean, it makes sense. Pizza is quick, easy, and delicious. Even as president, Trump still prefers to eat a pizza over a gourmet meal.
He Never Drinks Alcohol
Donald Trump seems like the type of guy who enjoys excess in all forms. Surprisingly, Donald Trump has never had a drink in his life.
His brother Fred was an alcoholic who told him not to touch the stuff. Eventually, Fred lost his life because of his addiction. Donald never forgot Fred's warning, and he still abstains from drinking to this day. When you have the type of power and influence as Trump, why would you need a drink?
He Has A Loyal Fanbase That Will Follow Him Anywhere
There may be plenty of Trump critics out there, but there are also a huge number of supporters. I mean, he was elected President of the United States. Those loyal supporters didn't just come out of nowhere. Trump has had fans since the early '90s.
Of course, there were also people who didn't like Trump back in the day, so basically nothing has changed. There's something about this guy that seems to appeal to people.
He Didn't Stay Faithful To His Wife
Donald Trump has always had a hard time staying faithful. I think he's cheated on every wife he's ever had (including his current wife, Melania). Eventually, Trump divorced his first wife, Ivana, but not before having an affair with the woman who would become his second wife, Marla Maples.
Apparently, Donald tried to bring Maples on a family vacation, yet somehow keep it secret from his wife that she was his lover.
He Was Always Very Confident
Trump is known for being something of an egomaniac, but some reports point out that he used to be a lot more down to earth.
In an interview with Trump from years ago, a young Donald told CBS Sunday Morning, "If I were portrayed on television, I hope I'd come across as somewhat of a nice gentleman. But I don’t know, necessarily, that that particular series would do very well."
Donald Trump Has A Love-Hate Relationship With The Media
Ever since becoming president, Donald Trump seems to dislike the media more than ever. The thing is, the media is the reason that Trump became president in the first place.
In a Sunday Morning interview, Trump said, "I don't know. I don't like walking down the street and having people waving and everything. I just don't really... it's not for me. To be perfectly honest, it's not for me, and I don't enjoy it."
Trump Mingled In The World Of Politics
Before Donald Trump became a politician, he was frequently seen rubbing elbows with the elite families of Washington, including former Democratic President Bill Clinton.
Even though Trump represented the Republican party in the most recent presidential election, he actually used to be a registered Demoncrat as well as an independent. I guess some things have changed about Donald Trump. He wasn't always on board with what the Republicans stood for.
He Understood Who Would Vote For Him
One thing Donald Trump excels at is knowing exactly who likes him — and who doesn't. He knows how he comes off to people and he's really good at shaping his image.
In an interview with Playboy magazine in 1990, Trump made a statement that shows how acutely aware he was of his electability and widespread appeal: "When I walk down the street, those cabbies start yelling out their window. … The working guy would elect me; they like me."
His Hair Hasn't Changed Much Through The Decades
Nobody has hair like Donald Trump. The blonde swoop has become his signature look. Some people think it's a toupée, some people think it's just an odd combover— whatever it is, it's certainly... eye-catching.
Donald Trump has been rocking this hairstyle for a long, long time. I guess there are some things he just can't let go of. I kind of want him to go full Miley Cyrus and shock the world with a hair transformation.
He Surrounded Himself With The Most Beautiful Women In The World
Before he became president, Trump used to run the Miss Universe pageant. It's no secret that Trump likes being around beautiful women.
Trump received a lot of criticism for a comment he made on the Howard Stern Show: "Before a show, I'll go backstage and everyone’s getting dressed, and everything else, and you know, no men are anywhere, and I’m allowed to go in because I’m the owner of the pageant and therefore I’m inspecting it… And you see these incredible looking women, and so, I sort of get away with things like that."
Marla Maples Met Donald Trump By Accident
Donald Trump and Marla Maples had the ultimate meet cute. They literally bumped into each other on the street. They collided on Madison Avenue in 1989.
They had actually seen each other before that fateful encounter, but that was the first time Trump saw Marla as his future wife. Marla told Vanity Fair, "I had seen him at different places throughout the year and just said hello, I was just somebody he shook hands with."
Donald Trump Isn't Scared Of Commitment
Even though Trump has a reputation with the ladies, he's never been single for long. He's been married three times, which shows that he's willing to make a commitment. Whether he's willing to stick to that commitment, well, that's a different story.
Marla Maples wanted to get married to Trump to legitimize their relationship so she wouldn't be seen as "the other woman." Trump proposed and the rest is history (and by history, I mean they eventually got divorced).
Donald Trump Is Passionate About Golf
When Donald Trump isn't wearing a suit, he's decked out in his golf gear. Trump actually owns multiple golf courses and he likes to watch and play the game. Back in the 90s, he got to play as much golf as he wanted without fear of judgment.
He even made a few good business deals on the golf course. Now that he's president, some people think that he should play a little less and run the country a little more.
He Still Loves Gambling
In a 2016 interview, Trump described his long history with casinos and the sport of gambling. He said, "Atlantic City fueled a lot of growth for me. The money I took out of there was incredible.”
Trump invested in a bunch of New Jersey casinos and tried to create a version of Las Vegas on the east coast. It didn't really work, but Trump still believes in the power of gambling.
Appearances Matter To Trump
Donald Trump has always been interested in fashion. Clothing can be, and often is, a real status symbol. Designer labels project an image of wealth and success, two things Trump values very highly. Nobody believes in a well-cut suit more than Donald Trump.
Trump regularly attended fashion shows and paid attention to the latest trends. Even back in the 90s, he cared about how people saw him and how he saw himself.
Donald Trump Takes Fatherhood Seriously
In a 2004 interview with Howard Stern, Trump discussed how he reacted when he found out that Marla was pregnant.
"I’m glad it happened. I have a great little daughter, Tiffany. But, you know, at the time it was like, 'Excuse me, what happened?’ And then I said, ‘Well, what are we going to do about this?’ [Marla] said, ‘Are you serious? It’s the most beautiful day of our lives.’ I said, ‘Oh, great.’"
Trump Was Never Fond Of Politicians
In the '90s, Trump didn't really want to get into the world of politics. He couldn't stand politicians. In fact, he probably still can't stand politicians. He told 60 Minutes that he was sick of political types doing the opposite of what they said.
"Some are very good, some are very dedicated and some are dumber than a rock. And I know who they are, I know the smart ones and I know the not so smart ones. And I know that I can do a very good job."
Trump Didn't Always Follow Party Lines
It's hard to tell if Donald Trump is truly a Democrat or a Republican. Even though he's currently serving as the Republican president, his views aren't quite as radical as some of the other members of the party.
He once said, "I think that nobody’s really hitting it right. The Democrats are too far left. … The Republicans are too far right. I don’t think anybody’s hitting the chord. Not the chord that I want to hear and not the chord that other people want to hear."
Trump Has An Obsession With Keeping America A World Superpower
Say what you want about Trump, but this guy is definitely patriotic. He really wants to see America succeed and flourish and be at the top of the worldwide food chain.
He is constantly competing with other countries and he refuses to see America as anything less than the greatest country in the world. His methods may be questionable, and I'm not even sure what his motives are, but his goals seem to come from somewhere genuine.
He Definitely Has A Type
The woman sitting next to Donald Trump in this picture is not Melania Trump. It sure does look like her though. I think it's safe to say that The Donald has a type. He likes models. At least, he likes women who look like they could be models.
Trump is actually an imposing figure, standing six feet tall, so maybe he just wants someone who can match up to his height...
He Knew He Might Run For President One Day
Back in the '90s, Donald Trump wasn't so keen on politics. He did want things to change in the country, though. He thought about what a Donald Trump presidency would be like.
During an interview with Oprah several decades ago, he said, "I just probably wouldn’t do it, Oprah. I probably wouldn’t, but I do get tired of seeing what’s happening with this country, and if it got so bad, I would never want to rule it out totally, because I really am tired of seeing what’s happening with this country, how we’re really making other people live like kings, and we’re not." He ran for president in 2000 as part of the Reform party.
Donald Trump Was A Well Known Name In The '90s
You know you've made it when there's a wax replica of you in Madame Tussaud's. In 1997, Donald Trump received that very honor. That just proves that he was a well known public figure decades before he ran for president of the United States. He was a businessman, a real estate investor, and he even made some cameo appearances in big-name Hollywood films.
Yeah, I'm talking about Home Alone 2: Lost In New York.
Trump Believed He Would Win The Presidency If He Ran
Trump believed he could become president if he chose to run.
He said to Oprah: "I think I'd win. I tell you what, I wouldn’t go in to lose. I’ve never gone in to lose in my life. And if I did decide to do it, I think I would be inclined — I would say, I would have a hell of a chance of winning, because I think people — I don’t know how your audience feels, but I think people are tired of seeing the United States ripped off. And I can’t promise you everything, but I can tell you one thing, this country would make one hell of a lot of money from those people that for 25 years have taken advantage. It wouldn’t be the way it’s been, believe me."
Donald And Melania Became An Item Back In The '90s
Donald Trump has been married three times, so some people think that his relationship with Melania hasn't been going on for that long or that it's not all that serious. All that Stormy Daniels drama isn't really helping their image.
Donald and Melania actually met in New York City at a party in 1998. Trump asked her for her number and she wouldn't give it to him, but she took his number, and I guess she decided to call him.
Their Relationship Started Off Pretty Well
There have been lots of rumors swirling around Trump and Melania's relationship since Donald became president. Their relationship wasn't always this controversial, though. In the '90s, when Trump and Melania began their relationship, people noted how "madly in love" they looked.
Apparently, Trump couldn't keep his hands off his new bride. Today, well, things are a little different. Remember the time she awkwardly pushed his hand away as they were walking in front of the cameras?
Donald And Melania Hit A Rough Patch
Donald Trump and Melania were, to quote Ross from Friends, "on a break" for a brief while when Trump was thinking about running for president back in 2000.
Melania claims that his newfound interest in politics was responsible for their separation. She said, "we were apart for a few months, not long. We got back together. He was always thinking about [a presidential run]. But he loved what he did, he had his business."
Donald Trump Loves Money
Money money money, must be funny, in Donald Trump's world. It's no secret that Trump loves money— making money, spending money, being around money… basically everything about money. He's not ashamed of his wealth or his privilege. He celebrates it.
In the '90s he was still establishing himself as a richer than rich business mogul. Now as president, he's more about keeping his status intact. He once said that "getting rich is easy, but staying rich is harder."
Trump Is Like No One Else On Earth
Donald Trump is authentically himself. Sometimes he lies, sometimes he's crass, but he never ever apologizes for who he is, or for anything, really.
Sometimes we think he should apologize. Sometimes we wish he'd stop tweeting so much. This guy has more ups and downs than most of us, but in his best moments, he reminds us that we all have our ups and downs, and if we work really hard and talk enough shop, then anything is possible.