The “self- made man”…
In today’s market, the money Trump’s father gave him would be the equivalent of $413 million.
Perhaps it’s interesting to know something about Trump’s claims of great personal success as a businessman…
Trump University- 2005- Was to offer insider education in real estate without accreditation and from barely qualified professors. Trump paid a $25 million settlement for fraud and deceptive practices in 2017.
Trump Entertainment Resorts filed for bankruptcy in 1991, 2004, 2009 and 2014. These resorts included:
Trump Taj Mahal
Trump Plaza
Trump Castle
Trump World’s Fair
Trump Marina
Trump Mortgage was started in 2006 but failed by 2008 due to the housing market crash.
Truth Social was founded in 2022 and remains in operation. It is unprofitable and is reporting losses.
Trump Steaks was to offer luxury steaks in 2007 and was pulled only 2 months later after selling almost no steaks.
The Trump Network was a multi-level marketing company for personalized vitamins. Trump backed it in 2009. It closed down in 2012.
Trump Vodka. In 2006, Trump Vodka was offering luxury vodka but failed to find a consumer base and the manufacturing was slow. It was out of business by 2012.
Trump Shuttle- 1989- Trump purchased Eastern Airline’s shuttle service and rebranded it as a luxury travel experience. But, weighed down by debt, labor disputes, and fuel cost, it was absorbed by competitors only three years later. He never made a profit.
GoTrump.com– 2006 – Was a website for booking travel but failed to gain traction and closed a year later.
Trump Ice- Early 2000s- Offered bottled water, but faded in 2010 due to market competition.
Trump Home- 2007- Offered luxury furniture to emulate the “Trump Lifestyle”. Sales declined and they lost partnership with Macy’s.
Trump Fragrances- Fragrances were sold at major retailers and initially drew some attention, but competition from established brands and political backlash eventually took their toll.
Trump: The Game- 1989- A board game that underperformed on shelves and was quickly discontinued. It had a brief revival in 2004 riding the wave of the “Apprentice”.
Trump Communications / Trumpet – Offered phone services specializing in international calls but was unable to secure infrastructure or market share.
Trump Magazine- 1997- initially called “Trump Style”, was free at Trump properties. Publication stopped in 2009 with unpaid bills and disillusioned staff.
Trump Institute- 2005-2009- Offered seminars and workshops, often featuring promotional videos of Trump himself. However, controversies plagued the institute, including allegations of plagiarized materials, misleading marketing practices, and prioritizing profit over genuine education.
What more is there to say?