Fact Check: "Donald Trump attended the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania."
What We Know
Donald Trump graduated from the Wharton School of Finance at the University of Pennsylvania in 1968. His admission to Wharton followed two years at Fordham University, after which he transferred to Penn's prestigious business school. According to a detailed account from James Nolan, a former admissions officer at Penn, Trump was interviewed for admission in 1966, and his application was supported by his family connections, particularly his brother Fred Trump Jr. who had a friendship with Nolan (Washington Post).
Trump has often cited his Wharton degree as evidence of his intelligence, referring to it as "the hardest school to get into" and claiming it reflects his academic prowess (Philly Mag). However, the acceptance rate for transfer students at that time was relatively high, and Nolan himself noted that he did not perceive Trump as particularly exceptional during the interview process (Washington Post).
Analysis
The claim that Donald Trump attended the Wharton School is substantiated by multiple credible sources. His graduation from Wharton is documented, and he is listed among the graduates of the class of 1968 (Daily Pennsylvanian). However, the narrative surrounding his academic performance is more contentious. While Trump has often claimed to have graduated at the top of his class, evidence suggests that he did not graduate with honors and was not listed among the top students (USA Today, Philly Mag).
Critics, including some of his classmates, have described him as a mediocre student, and there are questions about the extent of his academic engagement during his time at Wharton (Philly Mag). Despite this, the evidence confirms that he did indeed attend and graduate from the institution.
The sources used in this analysis are generally reliable, with the Washington Post and USA Today being well-respected news organizations. However, it is essential to note that some narratives around Trump's academic history may be influenced by political bias, particularly in the context of his presidency and public persona.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that Donald Trump attended the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is accurate. He graduated from the institution in 1968. While there are controversies regarding his academic performance and the circumstances of his admission, the fundamental fact of his attendance and graduation from Wharton is well-documented and supported by credible sources.
Sources
- Trump has referred to his Wharton degree as 'super genius'
- Donald Trump at Wharton: Fact Checking the President's Time at Penn
- This may explain how Trump got into Penn's Wharton School
- Was Trump really a top student at Wharton? His classmates say not so ...
- Did Donald Trump go to Wharton? Inside his education
