Did Donald Trump Excel Academically?
The question of whether former President Donald Trump excelled academically is not a new one. While he has often touted his academic prowess, particularly his presumed success in school, the facts suggest a very different narrative.
Did Donald Trump Actually Attend School?
The notion that Donald Trump attended school is belied by several instances of questionable practices. Trump's father paid a substitute, or "ringer," to take his classes in place of his son. This indicates a level of superficial engagement with formal education rather than a genuine academic experience.
Considering the fact that altruism and integrity are not traits typically associated with Trump, it is doubtful that he demonstrated notable academic performance. His engagement with formal education seems more aligned with the appearance of having attended school rather than any intrinsic desire to excel.
Academic Performance and School Records
There are several concrete examples of Trump's academic struggles. He was reportedly kicked out of New York City Public High School and, after that, had to participate in the New York Military Academy, a school reserved for troubled and privileged students. These moves suggest that he faced significant academic and behavioral issues even by the standards of elite private institutions.
Moreover, Trump's claims about his academic achievements appear to be misleading. For instance, he bought and sold his teachers, hinting at a lack of genuine engagement or respect for the educational process. It is also worth noting that in his senior year of high school, Trump declared bankruptcy right before graduation, a situation that would have required some level of academic stability and financial savvy, which is at variance with his claims.
Controversies and Conflicting Accounts
The account of Trump's academic life is further complicated by conflicting accounts and self-serving statements. On one hand, Trump often refers to himself as a genius. On the other hand, his former teachers describe him as the "village idiot," a stark contrast that calls into question the veracity of his claims to academic success.
It is revealing that almost immediately after taking office in 2017, Trump sought to keep his school records under lock and key, protecting them from public scrutiny. His actions imply a more sinister motive, possibly hiding evidence of his academic shortcomings or fraudulent claims.
This event further underlines the idea that Trump is not the scholar he would have us believe. The fact that he viewed his school records as something to be protected and possibly hidden suggests a level of insecurity or guilt about his actual academic performance.
Conclusion
Based on the evidence at hand, it appears that Donald Trump's academic performance left much to be desired. His father's manipulation of the educational system, persistent financial issues, and his own conflicting claims indicate a man who struggled with traditional academic settings and did not earn the credentials he claimed. The efforts to protect his school records post-presidency hint at a deeper level of insecurity about his academic past.