# The Trump Organization

> businesses owned by Donald Trump

**Wikidata**: [Q2462124](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2462124)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Trump_Organization)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/the-trump-organization

## Summary  
The Trump Organization is a privately owned conglomerate founded in 1923 by Elizabeth Trump, serving as the umbrella company for the business ventures of Donald Trump. It operates in real estate development, hospitality, entertainment, and other sectors, with notable properties like Trump Tower and Mar-a-Lago. The organization is central to the Trump family's wealth and public profile.  

## Key Facts  
- **Founded**: 1923 by Elizabeth Trump as Elizabeth Trump & Son.  
- **Ownership**: Currently owned by Donald Trump, who became president of the company in 1971.  
- **Headquarters**: New York City, U.S.  
- **Website**: [https://trump.com](https://trump.com)  
- **Key Affiliates**: Donald Trump (President), Eric Trump, Ivanka Trump, Allen Weisselberg (CFO), and former associates like Michael Cohen.  
- **Notable Properties**: Trump Tower (1983), Trump International Hotel and Tower Chicago (2009), Turnberry golf resort (Scotland, 1906), and Trump National Doral Miami (1962).  
- **Defunct Ventures**: Trump University (2005–2010), Trump Steaks (2007–2014).  
- **Related Entities**: Ivana Trump (former executive vice president), Hope Hicks (former public relations role).  

## FAQs  
**Q: Who founded The Trump Organization?**  
A: Elizabeth Trump founded the company in 1923 as Elizabeth Trump & Son, initially focused on real estate development.  

**Q: What are the primary business areas of The Trump Organization?**  
A: The organization operates in real estate, hospitality (hotels and golf resorts), entertainment, and retail, with ventures such as Trump Tower and the now-defunct Trump University.  

**Q: Which notable individuals have been affiliated with the organization?**  
A: Key figures include Donald Trump, his children (Eric, Ivanka, Donald Jr.), CFO Allen Weisselberg, and former associates like Michael Cohen and Brad Parscale.  

**Q: What controversies has The Trump Organization faced?**  
A: The company has been involved in legal disputes, including lawsuits over Trump University (accused of fraud) and investigations into financial practices, notably involving CFO Allen Weisselberg.  

**Q: How is The Trump Organization connected to Donald Trump’s presidency?**  
A: During Trump’s presidency (2017–2021), the organization’s business dealings and international partnerships raised ethical concerns, prompting criticism over potential conflicts of interest.  

## Why It Matters  
The Trump Organization is significant as the financial backbone of Donald Trump’s career, shaping his public persona and influencing his political rise. Its real estate projects, such as Trump Tower, redefined luxury branding in the 1980s, while controversies like Trump University and financial investigations highlight its polarizing role in American business culture. The organization’s global ventures also intersect with geopolitical dynamics, particularly during Trump’s presidency.  

## Notable For  
- **Luxury Branding**: Pioneered the "Trump" brand as a symbol of luxury in real estate and hospitality.  
- **Controversial Ventures**: Trump University (shut down in 2010 amid fraud allegations) and short-lived product lines like Trump Steaks.  
- **Family Involvement**: Serves as a vehicle for the Trump family’s wealth, with multiple generations holding leadership roles.  
- **Global Reach**: Owns properties in the U.S., Scotland (Turnberry), and other countries, often tied to political discourse.  

## Body  

### History  
The Trump Organization traces its origins to **Elizabeth Trump & Son**, founded in 1923 by Elizabeth Trump and her son Fred Trump. The company initially focused on middle-class rental housing in Brooklyn. Donald Trump joined in 1971, shifting focus to Manhattan real estate with projects like the Grand Hyatt Hotel (1978) and Trump Tower (1983).  

### Leadership & Structure  
- **Donald Trump**: President since 1971, overseeing expansion into casinos, golf courses, and entertainment.  
- **Allen Weisselberg**: Longtime CFO (1973–2024), involved in financial management and later indicted in a tax fraud case (2021).  
- **Family Roles**: Ivanka Trump, Eric Trump, and Donald Trump Jr. have held executive positions, managing projects like the Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C.  

### Affiliated Entities  
- **People**:  
  - **David M. Friedman**: U.S. Ambassador to Israel (2017–2021), linked to the organization’s international dealings.  
  - **Ivana Trump**: Former executive vice president (1977–1992), instrumental in 1980s expansions.  
  - **Michael Cohen**: Former personal attorney, involved in legal and political strategies.  
- **Properties**:  
  - **Trump Tower** (1983): Manhattan skyscraper and symbol of 1980s excess.  
  - **Mar-a-Lago** (1985): Florida estate turned private club, used as a "Winter White House" during Trump’s presidency.  
  - **Turnberry** (2014): Scottish golf resort purchased amid controversy over foreign investment.  

### Business Ventures  
- **Real Estate**: Developed over 50 buildings globally, including 40 Wall Street (1930) and Trump International Hotel and Tower Chicago (2009).  
- **Hospitality**: Operates hotels (Trump Hotel Las Vegas) and golf resorts (Trump National Doral Miami).  
- **Defunct Projects**:  
  - **Trump University** (2005–2010): Shut down after lawsuits alleging deceptive business practices.  
  - **Trump Steaks** (2007–2014): Failed meat brand sold via direct marketing.  

### Legal & Financial Issues  
- **Weisselberg Case**: CFO Allen Weisselberg indicted in 2021 for tax fraud, pleading guilty in 2022.  
- **Hush-Money Probe**: Investigations into payments to Stormy Daniels (2016), involving former attorney Michael Cohen.  
- **Banking Relationships**: Ties to Deutsche Bank and other lenders for property financing, scrutinized during Trump’s presidency.  

### Cultural Impact  
The organization’s projects, such as the gilded Trump Tower atrium, became cultural touchstones of 1980s wealth. Its branding strategy—licensing the Trump name to third-party developers—expanded its reach but led to controversies over quality control (e.g., Trump Ocean Resort Baja). The company’s trajectory reflects broader shifts in American capitalism, from postwar housing to global luxury markets.  

### Political Connections  
During Trump’s presidency, the organization’s foreign dealings (e.g., Trump Turnberry in Scotland) raised ethical concerns. Critics argued that foreign governments patronizing Trump properties could constitute emoluments. The organization’s role in hosting political events, such as 2016 campaign rallies at Trump properties, blurred lines between business and politics.  

### Current Status  
As of 2024, the organization remains under scrutiny for ongoing legal cases and financial disclosures. While Donald Trump returned to an active role after his 2025 presidential inauguration, the company’s portfolio has faced challenges, including declining property valuations and reduced public engagement with the Trump brand.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. archINFORM
3. YouTube API