Donald Trump’s real estate assets back in focus

When Donald Trump became president of the USA it was through gritted teeth that he agreed to place his business interests in an arm’s-length trust over which he would have no influence. This included the profits from a $250 million plus real estate portfolio which until he became president was the focus of his expertise. Over the last few weeks the USA Today program has been investigating Donald Trump’s real estate assets and found some potentially disturbing developments.

Limited liability companies

There is nothing illegal or immoral in using limited liability companies to acquire assets. In effect these companies allow individuals to acquire asset without legally being obliged to reveal their identity. In a world where money-laundering and similar issues have been at the centre of the financial sector, it does make you wonder why such arrangements are still on the table. However, as they stand today limited liability companies are perfectly legal and above board.

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Donald Trump’s real estate sales

Over the last 12 months Donald Trump has jettisoned an array of real estate assets although surprisingly 70% of the buyers made use of the limited liability company path. This may sound fairly businesslike, nothing to get too concerned about but in the previous two years only 4% of those buying Donald Trump assets used limited liability companies. If there is nothing in it for Donald Trump, or his trust, why is there such a furore surrounding the use of limited liability companies to acquire the president’s real estate assets held in trust?

Potentially currying favour

At this moment in time 28 properties have been identified as having been jettisoned after Donald Trump was elected president. The sales have raised a gross $33 million and include luxury condos and penthouses in Las Vegas and New York and oceanfront properties near Los Angeles. The profits from the transactions have all gone through the trust and all paperwork has been signed, sealed and delivered. However, some observers believe that the parties could be looking to curry favour with Donald Trump by agreeing to buy his assets?

There is nothing to suggest this is happening as there is nothing to suggest that buyers are paying over the odds to acquire these assets. In many ways it does look as though there is a campaign to drag the president down but this is Donald Trump, a man who does what he wants.

A portfolio still worth $250 million

Official paperwork confirms that Donald Trump still owns an array of real estate assets worth in excess of $250 million even after the recent sales. The value of these properties range from just over $200,000 up to $10 million and while they are in theory for sale, why should Donald Trump be rushed into selling his real estate assets in a fire sale?

Donald Trump does not need anybody to fight his corner as this is a man who literally does what he wants when he wants. He has made his millions in the real estate industry and now he is under intense pressure to liquidate more and more of his real estate assets. There are calls of potential conflicts of interest, third parties looking to curry favour and the passing of future legislation which would assist the real estate market and Donald Trump indirectly. If you take a look at these suggestions from opponents there is nothing concrete, there are no ongoing investigations in these areas and it does look like an attempt to yet again blacken the name of the president. Is he bothered? No….

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