Step into the footsteps of two of America's most influential figures—Barack Obama and Donald Trump—on a guided tour through New York City that traces their paths from humble beginnings to the White House.
We start in Midtown Manhattan, where Mr. Obama once worked as a corporate journalist, before heading out to Queens, where Mr. Trump learned the ropes of the family construction business. Along the way, your guide will weave fascinating stories about their childhoods, their teenage years, and the families that shaped them. The tour begins at the site of Trump's 2015 presidential announcement and ends at the iconic Columbia University. Each stop is a milestone in their careers, offering a unique glimpse into their journeys to the White House.
Your guide will take photos of you along the way, capturing memories of this unforgettable experience. Political affiliations aside, this tour offers a fascinating look at New York City’s rich history and the lives of two of its most famous sons.
Meet outside at the clock. See the escalator landing where in 2015 he announced his presidential run. The architect of the 57-floor horizontal setback tower is Der Scutt from Pennsylvania. The construction manager, Barbara Res, was NYC’s first female of that field. The atrium is three floors of pink, white veined marble. It has a 60-foot waterfall. The lower half of the building is office space. The upper half are 278 apartments. Former residents there were Johnny Carson, Steven Spielberg and Sofia Loren. Cost = $800K to $10 Million. Mr. Trump’s New York residence is the 3-floor penthouse. His five children grew up there. You may eat at the Trump Café, Trump Grill and Trump Ice Cream parlor. The studio for The Apprentice studio is on the 5th floor (no visitors). A Trump souvenir shop is downstairs. Nearby are Tiffany’s, Bergdorf Goodman, the Plaza Hotel and the World’s biggest Mac/iPhone store. The iconic Danish scene from Breakfast at Tiffany’s was here.
A 22-year-old Mr. Obama’s first commute was at the Lexington Avenue subway at 51st Street. He would also take the M15 bus. In 1983, he lived in another walkup in a rundown part of the Upper East Side; the area is now doorman buildings. Walk Smith and Wollensky at 3rd and 49th Street. An iconic steakhouse since 1977. Also see the Waldorff Astoria and Citi Tower. Look down the corporate canyon of Park Avenue to the Helmsley Tower and Met Life Building (Pan Am). The first ‘glass tower’ Lever House is here (1951). Hear how Seagram’s Building (1956) shaped office construction for the next 20 years.
Dag Hammarskjold Plaza (47th and 2nd) is where Barak Obama got his first job after college. He was a corporate journalist for a UN contractor: Business International Corporation. He wrote reports on economic standing in developed and undeveloped nations.
You will make your own way to the meeting points