Politics

Trump Students Be Around Unsuccessful People

Ruth Kamau  ·  April 27, 2015

NEW YORK (April 27, 2015) – Donald Trump, the real estate mogul and TV personality who was eyeing a run for the White House, stirred up talk with some blunt advice for students during a speech that day. He told a group of young people that they should steer clear of “unsuccessful” folks if they wanted to get ahead in life. It was a classic Trump moment, delivered with his trademark swagger at an event tied to his business empire.

The comments came as Trump addressed students at what appeared to be a motivational gathering, possibly linked to one of his educational ventures. “Get rid of the losers, the negative and the unsuited,” he reportedly said, emphasizing that surrounding yourself with winners was key to success. For Trump, who built his brand on bold deals and flashy deals, this was just another way to push his no-nonsense philosophy. It wasn’t the first time he’d shared such views, but with the 2016 election on the horizon, folks started wondering if this was a preview of his campaign style.

Back then, Trump was still months away from announcing his presidential bid, but his words had a political edge. He often mixed business tips with jabs at the establishment, and this instance felt like more of the same. Some saw it as empowering, a call for ambition in a tough economy, while others rolled their eyes, calling it elitist. After all, not everyone gets to rub shoulders with billionaires.

The advice landed in a country still recovering from the Great Recession, where many young people were struggling with jobs and debt. Trump’s line about avoiding unsuccessful people might have resonated with go-getters, but it also raised eyebrows about who gets left behind. As he geared up for politics, these kinds of remarks showed how he’d connect with voters who craved straight talk, even if it rubbed some the wrong way. All in all, it was a small moment that hinted at the bigger storm to come.