Last updated on May 3rd, 2023 at 10:56 am
Fred Trump was an American real estate developer and businessman. Born in 1905 in the Bronx, New York, Fred was the second son of German immigrants Elizabeth and Frederick Trump. After completing high school, Fred worked in his father’s real estate company, which focused on building and managing affordable housing in Queens.
In the 1930s, Fred founded his own real estate development company, which specialized in constructing middle-class housing in New York City’s outer boroughs. With a reputation for being a skilled negotiator and a ruthless businessman, Fred amassed a fortune through his real estate ventures.
Despite controversies surrounding his business practices, including allegations of racial discrimination in his properties, Fred continued to grow his real estate empire throughout the 1960s and 1970s. He also played a key role in the rise of his son Donald Trump’s career, providing him with substantial financial support and guidance.
Fred Trump passed away in 1999 at the age of 93, leaving behind a legacy as one of New York’s most successful and controversial real estate developers.
Early Life and Career
Fred Trump was born on October 11, 1905, in the Bronx, New York, to German immigrants Elizabeth and Frederick Trump. He was the second of three children and grew up in a middle-class family. His father, Frederick Trump, was a successful real estate developer who owned properties in Queens and Brooklyn.
Growing up, Fred attended public schools in the Bronx and showed an early interest in the real estate industry. After graduating from high school, he went to work for his father’s company, E. Trump & Son, which focused on building and managing affordable housing in Queens. Fred quickly learned the ropes of the business and became an integral part of the company’s operations.
In 1927, at the age of 22, Fred formed his own company, Elizabeth Trump & Son, named after his mother. He began building and managing his properties, which were primarily middle-class housing in Queens. Fred’s business acumen and attention to detail helped him to establish a reputation as a skilled negotiator and a shrewd businessman.
Over the next few decades, Fred continued to expand his real estate empire, acquiring more properties and developing new projects throughout New York City’s outer boroughs. Despite facing criticism and controversy for his business practices, including allegations of racial discrimination in his properties, Fred’s success and wealth continued to grow.
Building an Empire:
Fred Trump’s success in New York City
Fred Trump achieved several notable accomplishments in New York City, particularly in the real estate industry. Here are some of his key achievements
Founded Elizabeth Trump & Son
In the 1920s, Fred Trump founded his own real estate development company, Elizabeth Trump & Son, which focused on constructing middle-class housing in the outer boroughs of New York City.
Construction of the Shore Haven Apartments
One of Fred’s most significant projects was the construction of the Shore Haven Apartments in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, which was one of the largest middle-class housing projects in the country at the time.
Growing Real Estate Empire
Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, Fred continued to grow his real estate empire, building, and managing properties throughout New York City. His attention to detail, negotiation skills, and ability to get things done quickly and efficiently helped him to secure favorable deals and make profitable investments.
Passing on Knowledge to His Children
In the 1960s and 1970s, Fred delivered his knowledge and experience to his children, including his son Donald Trump. He provided substantial financial support and guidance to them which helped them to establish their successful careers in real estate.
Influence on New York City Real Estate Landscape
Fred Trump played a significant role in shaping the real estate landscape of New York City, particularly in the outer boroughs. His focus on building affordable, well-built housing developments helped to meet the growing demand for middle-class housing in these areas.
Despite facing controversy and criticism for his business practices, including allegations, Fred Trump’s achievements in New York City were characterized by his skill as a businessman, his ability to identify opportunities in the city’s real estate market, and his influence on the success of his children in the industry.
Family
Fred Trump was the son of German immigrants Frederick Trump and Elizabeth Christ Trump. He had four siblings: Elizabeth, Fred Jr., Maryanne, and Robert. Fred Trump married Mary Anne MacLeod, a Scottish immigrant, in 1936. They had five children together: Maryanne, Fred Jr., Elizabeth, Donald, and Robert.
The Personal Life
Fred Trump was a private person who kept his personal life largely out of the public eye. However, he was known for his close relationship with his son Donald, who followed in his footsteps to become a successful real estate developer and businessman. Fred Trump was also an avid golfer and a member of the Winged Foot Golf Club in Westchester County, New York.
Controversies and Criticisms
Fred Trump’s business dealings and personal life were not without controversy and criticism. Here are some of the most notable ones
Controversies
Discrimination Lawsuit
In 1973, the Justice Department sued Fred Trump and his company for violating the Fair Housing Act by discriminating against black tenants in his properties in Brooklyn and Queens. The lawsuit was settled out of court, and Trump did not admit any wrongdoing.
Tax Evasion Allegations
In the 1990s, there were allegations that Fred Trump had evaded taxes by undervaluing his properties. The New York Times published an article in 2018 claiming that Trump and his family had engaged in “outright fraud” to avoid paying taxes. The Trump family denied the allegations.
Atlantic City Casino Troubles
In the 1980s, Fred Trump invested heavily in Atlantic City casinos, but his ventures were plagued by financial problems and controversies. One of his casinos, the Trump Taj Mahal, filed for bankruptcy in 1991.
Criticisms
Treatment of Tenants
Some former tenants of Fred Trump’s properties have criticized him for neglecting the buildings and being slow to make repairs. Others have accused him of using aggressive tactics to evict tenants.
Relationship with Donald Trump
Some critics have accused Fred Trump of enabling and supporting his son Donald’s controversial behavior, including his involvement in the Trump Foundation charity scandal and his derogatory comments about women and minorities.
Ties to Organized Crime
There have been allegations that Fred Trump had ties to organized crime figures in New York City. These allegations have been largely unsubstantiated.
Philanthropy
Fred Trump has done charity and social work for the people in the following sectors-
Medical Research
Fred Trump donated generously to medical research organizations, including the “New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center” and “The Long Island Jewish Medical Center”.
Education
Trump also donated to educational institutions, including “Lehigh University” in Pennsylvania and the “New York City Public School system”.
Cultural Organizations
He also supported cultural organizations, such as the “Metropolitan Museum of Art” and “The Museum of Natural History”.
Legacy
Real Estate Development
Fred Trump’s most significant legacy is his role in developing the New York City real estate market. He built and managed thousands of apartments and commercial properties, including the “Trump Tower” in Manhattan.
Business Acumen
Trump was known for his business acumen and his ability to build successful businesses from the ground up. He passed on his entrepreneurial spirit to his children, most notably his son Donald Trump.
Overall, Fred Trump’s legacy is one of entrepreneurship, business success, and philanthropy. While he was not without controversy and criticism, his contributions to society have had a lasting impact on many people and organizations.
Fred Trump’s Influence on His Children’s Success
Fred Trump had a significant influence on his children’s success, particularly that of his son, Donald Trump. Here are some ways in which he influenced his children Fred Trump had a significant influence on his children’s success, particularly that of his son, Donald Trump. Here are some ways in which he influenced his children’s success.
Business Mentoring
Fred Trump was a successful real estate developer and businessman, and he passed on his knowledge and experience to his children. He mentored them and taught them the ins and outs of the real estate industry, which helped them to build their successful careers.
Financial Support
Fred Trump provided financial support to his children, which allowed them to pursue their business ventures. He provided loans and investment capital to Donald Trump, which helped him to build his empire.
Family Loyalty
Fred Trump valued family loyalty above all else, and he instilled this value in his children. He encouraged them to work together and support each other, which helped them to build successful businesses and maintain a strong family bond.
Work Ethic
Fred Trump instilled a strong work ethic in his children. He expected them to work hard and achieve success through their efforts. This value helped his children to persevere through challenges and setbacks and ultimately achieve success.
Overall, Fred Trump’s influence on his children’s success was significant. He provided them with the knowledge, support, and values they needed to build successful businesses and achieve their goals.
Final Years and Death
Fred Trump, the father of former US President Donald Trump, passed away on June 25, 1999, at the age of 93. In his final years, Fred Trump’s health declined, and he suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. Despite his declining health, he remained involved in his family’s business and personal affairs, offering advice and guidance to his children and grandchildren. He also continued to be active in philanthropic efforts, donating to medical research organizations and educational institutions, among other causes. Fred Trump passed away at Long Island Jewish Medical Center, and his funeral was held at the Marble Collegiate Church in Manhattan. He was buried at the Lutheran All Faiths Cemetery in Middle Village, Queens. Fred Trump’s legacy as a successful businessman and philanthropist continues to influence his family and society.