Trump’s Golf Empire Flourishes in Florida Despite Legal Troubles and Real Estate Declines

Former President Donald Trump’s business empire has experienced a significant shift, with his Florida-based golf resorts emerging as a financial lifeline amid mounting legal challenges and a faltering New York real estate market. Trump’s golf clubs, particularly in Florida, now account for the bulk of his company’s cash flow, generating around four-fifths of the estimated $80 million net income for 2024. Once a cash drain, these properties have flourished, capitalizing on Trump’s popularity with affluent supporters, particularly in the state’s pro-Trump strongholds.

Mar-a-Lago, the crown jewel of Trump’s business, is set to generate around $24 million in 2024, while three other Florida properties are also thriving. Trump’s Jupiter and West Palm Beach clubs are set to generate $8.4 million and $10.4 million, respectively. Meanwhile, his largest golf resort, Trump National Doral in Miami, is expected to bring in $10.5 million. These figures highlight a strong recovery for the Trump Organization’s golf operations post-pandemic, positioning the resorts as a reliable cash source.

However, Trump’s broader business dealings face more precarious circumstances. His New York properties, particularly 40 Wall Street, are grappling with a declining commercial real estate market. Trump also faces over $530 million in court judgments and interest from legal battles, including a high-profile fraud case in New York. The Trump Organization has shifted several entities to Florida in an attempt to evade some of these legal hurdles, but a judge blocked the reorganization, keeping the company under close judicial scrutiny.

While Trump’s golf empire flourishes in Florida, the outlook for his New York assets is clouded by a sluggish real estate market, with major debts coming due in 2025. Despite these challenges, Trump remains a potent figure in both the business and political worlds, with his 2024 income projections boosted largely by his flourishing resorts. Florida’s golf boom, combined with Trump’s enduring brand appeal, is keeping his business afloat as he navigates turbulent legal and financial waters.