For decades, Donald Trump has been a part of the majestic skyline of New York City. His name is emblazoned on some of its most iconic buildings. However, a recent ruling by a Manhattan judge threatens his real estate empire. After facing financial turbulence in the early 1990s, Trump decided to license his name as a strategy to strengthen his global presence and finances without bearing the typical risks associated with real estate development.
This tactic allowed him to enjoy substantial profits while avoiding potential liabilities. His licensing agreements have led to a vast portfolio of luxury hotels and golf courses worldwide, each bearing the Trump brand, contributing to his substantial income. However, most of these investments are concentrated in the United States, with 14 Trump-branded properties generating revenue through licensing or management agreements, as reported by The Washington Post and The New York Post.
Now, with the recent court ruling temporarily banning Trump from his role as CEO of the Trump Organization (found guilty of fraud, the New York judge revoked his business licenses – “a punishment decided after establishing that Trump defrauded banks and insurance companies by inflating the value of his assets to obtain economic advantages and better loans” writes Corriere della Sera), his grip on the real estate world faces a delicate moment, threatening to “deflate” his longstanding influence in the industry he once dominated.