Trump 1988

Donald Trump.

Before starting his campaign in 2015, our 45th President, Donald Trump, had considered running for President in 1988, 2000, and 2012. What if he won the 1988 election?

Differences

• George H.W. Bush would've never been President.
• Hillary Clinton would've been our 45th President.

Summary

Campaign

Trump first teased a bid for President on The Oprah Winfrey Show in April 1988. He'd been a rumored presidential candidate for years. Winfrey asked Trump if he would ever run for president. He replied, "Probably not, but I do get tired of seeing the country get ripped off ... I just don't think I have the inclination to do it." Furthermore, he asserted that if he ever did run, he would win the election. The next day, Trump formally announced his late bid to run for President, with former Governor of Delaware Pete du Pont as his running mate. Trump immediately gained the respect of New York (his home state), and a few more other states, and won the Republican primaries against George H.W. Bush by only one vote. Trump won the election against Michael Dukakis, making him the youngest President in American history, at age 42.

First 100 Days

• January 20, 1989: Trump's presidency begins with his inauguration at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.; the oath of office is administered by Chief Justice William Rehnquist. He then meets up with former Presidents Richard M. Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, and Ronald Reagan.
• January 31, 1989: Trump announces his intentions to "beef up security".

1992 re-election campaign

Trump began his re-election campaign in early 1991. He