Donald Trump has been involved in a wide range of businesses over the decades, making him one of the most prominent business figures globally before entering politics. Here’s an overview of his major business ventures:
1. Real Estate Development
Real estate is the cornerstone of Donald Trump’s business empire. Through The Trump Organization, he has developed, owned, or managed several high-profile properties worldwide.
- Skyscrapers and Office Buildings:
- Trump Tower (New York City)
- 40 Wall Street (New York City)
- Trump International Hotel and Tower (Chicago)
- Trump International Hotel and Tower (Toronto)
- Residential Properties:
- Trump Parc and Trump Plaza in Manhattan
- Trump Place (a series of luxury apartment buildings)
- Golf Courses and Resorts:
Trump owns or operates golf courses across the U.S. and internationally, including in Scotland, Ireland, and Dubai.
2. Hotel and Hospitality
- Trump Hotels: Operates luxury hotels in cities like Washington, D.C., Las Vegas, and New York.
- Mar-a-Lago Club (Palm Beach, Florida): A private club and Trump’s residence that serves as a luxury retreat.
- Trump Winery (Charlottesville, Virginia): Produces wine and offers event hosting.
3. Licensing and Branding
Trump’s name itself became a valuable brand. He has licensed the “Trump” name for use on various products and real estate projects, even those he doesn’t own or directly manage. Some examples include:
- Trump-branded residential towers in India, South Korea, and the Philippines.
- Trump Steaks, Trump Vodka, and Trump Ice (a bottled water brand).
4. Entertainment and Media
Trump became a pop culture figure through his involvement in entertainment:
- Television: Host and executive producer of “The Apprentice” (2004–2015), a reality TV show that brought him widespread fame.
- Books: Trump has authored several books, including The Art of the Deal and Trump: Think Like a Billionaire.
5. Casinos and Gaming (Past Ventures)
Trump was involved in the casino industry, though many of these ventures faced financial difficulties:
- Trump Taj Mahal (Atlantic City, closed in 2016)
- Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino
- Trump Marina Hotel Casino
These casinos were owned by Trump Entertainment Resorts, which eventually went bankrupt.
6. Sports
- United States Football League (USFL): Trump owned the New Jersey Generals, a team in the short-lived USFL in the 1980s.
- Golf Tournaments: Many of his golf courses host professional tournaments.
7. Miscellaneous Ventures
Trump has also dabbled in various smaller ventures, such as:
- Trump University (2005–2010): A controversial real estate training program that led to lawsuits.
- Trump Mortgage: A short-lived mortgage company launched in 2006.
- Trump Ice Cream Parlor: Operated in Trump Tower for a time.
8. Digital and Social Media
After leaving the presidency, Trump launched his own social media platform, Truth Social, under the Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG).
Controversies and Challenges
Many of Trump’s businesses have faced lawsuits, bankruptcies, and public criticism. Despite these challenges, he has maintained his reputation as a shrewd businessman and built a global brand.
