Donald John Trump (born June 14, 1946) is the 45th and current president of the United States. Before entering politics, he was a businessman and television personality. In 1987, Trump placed full-page advertisements in three major newspapers, advocating peace in Central America, accelerated nuclear disarmament talks with the Soviet Union, and reduction of the federal budget deficit by making American allies pay 'their fair share' for military defense. Before entering politics, he was a businessman and television personality. In 1987, Trump placed full-page advertisements in three major newspapers, advocating peace in Central America, accelerated nuclear disarmament talks with the Soviet Union, and reduction of the federal budget deficit by making American allies pay 'their fair share' for military defense. He ruled out running for local office but not for the presidency. The shutdown was caused by a lapse in funding for nine federal departments, affecting about one-fourth of federal government activities.