Donald Trump is the first real-life guy that I’ve learned about that is comparable to the likes of Hank Rearden.
He’s a self-made man from the start. Who cares if he is an O bjectivist or not; here is a guy that we can all take some valuable advice from.
Read his books.
Objectivists will be split on Trump. For me, he’s a mixed economy businessman; no more no less. As for his philosophy, its mixed and his politics is decidedly left of center. When he ran for President, his econmic plan was a huge tax on the rich.
As for him being a “self made man from the start”. This is wrong. Trump’s father was one of the most powerful and politically connected men in New York. Trump not only inherrited a fortune but he also was born into a family that had a ton of political connections especially in the real estate business. Trump’s father profitted from being politically connected to New York chief central planners such as men like Robert Moses. Yes, the Trumps are businessmen and they have produced values to be sure, but they are not the best example of market driven businessmen, in fact they are pretty damn good examples of political pull oriented businessmen.
For example, Donald Trump is notorious for using the Eminent Domain clause to have people’s land confiscated and resold to him for his real estate (especially New Jersey Casino and hotel) projects. For this, in my eyes, he is a bastard. Also, he has made alot of his money in the Atlantic City Casino and hotel business. There aren’t many more political-pull oriented businesses then Gambling.
Trump is far from Hank Rearden. Sadly, he is more like Orren Boyle. I liked Trump too when I was new to Objectivism, then I learned more about the man. There are better examples of businessmen to admire. Martha Stewert is a good example, despite the fact that she is a political liberal. She was a stock broker and started her company from scratch. She built an empire all on her own. She is far more admirable than Trump.
After watching episodes of The Apprentice, Trump reminds me more of a Peter Keating than a Hank Rearden.
Donald Trump was discussed here, here, and here. Just as a tip, it’s always best to do a search on your topic before you start a new thread. 
As for him being a “self made man from the start”. This is wrong…
His Father was a solid business man and the only thing that Donald recieved him was his education, both real life knowledge and actual schooling. After that he expanded his business from scratch until he fell billions of dollars into debt. He didn’t quit, worked his way back out of the hole, and now he leaves no exceptions for the quality of his estates.
As far as his reputation for using eminent domain, everything I find is slanted reporting that avoids the cold hard facts of the deal. Like I said, his books have great business advice and incite; and for that I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt when it comes to slander in his direction.
Even if there is some truth to this slander, he still stands as a man that any business man can learn a lot from.