WASHINGTON (AP) – There’s nothing like a presidential campaign to shine a bright light into the nooks, crannies and back alleys of a candidate’s life. And there’s nothing like Donald Trump in the annals of U.S. politics.
Some of what’s been revealed about Trump’s predatory personal interactions, business dealings, legal tactics and management style would come as no surprise to those who’ve made a career out of following the billionaire’s rise to prominence. But ordinary Americans who began the 2016 campaign with a passing impression of Trump as the outspoken mogul of “Apprentice” fame now have far more information to draw upon as Election Day nears.
Despite his curated image as the businessman with the golden touch, Trump’s track record in business isn’t as magical as he would have people think. Yes, he is rich. Yes, he has had his share of success. But he’s also kept company with any number of questionable business associates, had quite a share of projects go bust, left a string of contractors in the lurch, exaggerated his wealth and bragged of using his star power to impose himself sexually on women.
Another thing people discovered about Trump this year is all the things they still don’t know. He hasn’t released his tax returns, records of charitable giving, detailed medical records, immigration files for his wife and more. That penchant for secrecy is coupled with an aggressive strategy to muzzle business and campaign employees by requiring them to sign nondisclosure agreements.
A look at some of what’s been learned about Trump during the campaign: