John G. Trump
John G. Trump
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Overview

John George Trump (August 21, 1907 – February 21, 1985) was an accomplished American electrical engineer, inventor, and physicist. Though often overshadowed by his famous nephew, Donald Trump, John G. Trump made significant contributions to the fields of high-voltage research, radiation therapy, and radar technology during World War II. He was a professor at MIT for many years and received numerous accolades for his pioneering work. This timeline highlights key moments in his life and career.
Main Milestones
Birth in New York City
August 21, 1907
John George Trump was born in New York City to German immigrants Frederick Trump and Elizabeth Christ Trump. He was the second of three children, following Elizabeth and preceding Fred Trump, the father of Donald Trump. His early life was rooted in a hardworking, entrepreneurial family that emphasized education and achievement.
Bachelor's Degree from Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn
1929
John G. Trump earned his Bachelor of Electrical Engineering degree from the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn (now NYU Tandon School of Engineering). This marked the beginning of his formal academic journey and laid the foundation for his future contributions to the field of electrical engineering.
Doctorate from MIT
1933
Trump completed his Doctor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). This achievement solidified his position as a leading researcher in the field and paved the way for his long and distinguished career at MIT.
Professor at MIT
1936-1973
Trump embarked on a long and influential career as a professor at MIT. He held various positions, ultimately becoming a professor of Electrical Engineering. He taught and mentored generations of engineers, shaping the future of the field. He also conducted groundbreaking research in high-voltage engineering and medical applications of radiation.
Contributions to Radar Technology
World War II (1941-1945)
During World War II, Trump played a crucial role in the development of radar technology at the MIT Radiation Laboratory. His expertise in high-voltage engineering was instrumental in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of radar systems, contributing significantly to the Allied war effort.
Focus on Medical Applications of High-Voltage Technology
Post-World War II
After the war, Trump focused his research on the medical applications of high-voltage technology. He developed innovative techniques for cancer treatment using radiation, improving the precision and safety of these therapies. His work had a lasting impact on the field of medical physics.
Retirement from MIT
1973
After a highly successful and impactful career, John G. Trump retired from his position as a professor at MIT. Even after retirement, he remained active as a consultant and continued to contribute to the field of engineering. This marked the end of a chapter in his academic career but not the end of his contributions to the field.
Called in to analyze Nikola Tesla's papers after his death
January 1980
Following the death of Nikola Tesla, John G. Trump was called in by the FBI to analyze Tesla's papers and equipment to determine if they posed a national security risk. Trump's report concluded that Tesla's inventions, while ingenious, did not pose a significant threat.
Death
February 21, 1985
John George Trump passed away on February 21, 1985. He left behind a legacy of significant contributions to electrical engineering, medical physics, and national defense. His work continues to influence these fields today, solidifying his place as an important figure in 20th-century science and technology.