Overview

• On June 16, 2015, Donald Trump descended the golden escalator at Trump Tower in Manhattan to launch his presidential bid despite widespread media skepticism.
• His debut speech’s focus on immigration and trade—including a promise to build a southern border wall and confront China—became enduring pillars of both his administrations.
• Trump’s upset win in 2016 transformed the Republican Party and his re-election in 2024 made him the second president to serve nonconsecutive terms.
• Trump Tower has since become a pilgrimage site for supporters, who flock to the escalator area and branded shops in the atrium to pay tribute.
• On the 10th anniversary, the president is urging Congress to pass a budget reconciliation bill to fund the border wall and his administration says it has secured agreement on a new trade deal with China.