Did Trump’s Presidency Financially Benefit His Businesses? A Deep Dive into the Numbers

Donald Trump’s refusal to take a presidential salary was widely publicized as a selfless act, but does his time in office financially benefit his businesses in other ways? While he’s donating his $400,000 annual salary, a closer look at the numbers suggests his properties and businesses see significant revenue during and after his presidency. Let’s break down what we know.

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Trump’s Business Revenue Before the Presidency

Before becoming president, Trump’s businesses were already generating hundreds of millions in revenue annually:

• 2014: Trump reported a gross revenue of $362 million.

• 2015: His total gross revenue exceeded $611 million.

At this time, Trump had a vast real estate portfolio, licensing deals, and a popular brand. His businesses ranged from golf courses to hotels and even reality television.

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How Much Did Trump’s Businesses Earn During His Presidency?

Between 2017 and 2021, Trump’s businesses reportedly generated over $1.6 billion in revenue. Some key figures include:

• Mar-a-Lago, one of Trump’s most well-known properties, saw revenues of:

• $25.1 million in 2017

• $22 million in 2018

• $21.4 million in 2019

• The Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C., a hub for political and foreign patronage, was a significant revenue source.

• Trump’s properties also benefited from increased spending by political groups. His businesses received:

• $8.5 million from political fundraising under his control

• An additional $2 million from other Republican sources

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Government & Foreign Spending at Trump’s Properties

As president, Trump often spent time at his resorts and hotels, requiring the Secret Service and government officials to stay at these properties. This resulted in:

• Over $1.4 million in Secret Service lodging expenses at Trump properties across four years.

• Rates for Secret Service stays reaching up to $1,185 per night.

Foreign governments and diplomats also contributed to Trump’s business revenue. Reports indicate that the governments of China, Turkey, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE spent over $700,000 at the Trump International Hotel in D.C. within the first two years of his presidency.

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How Do These Numbers Compare?

Comparing Trump’s business revenue before and during his presidency reveals interesting trends. While his pre-presidency revenue numbers (2014–2015) ranged between $362 million and $611 million per year, the overall revenue of $1.6 billion over four years in office suggests his businesses remained highly profitable.

However, it’s crucial to note:

• Revenue vs. Profit: The figures available represent gross revenue, not net profit. Expenses, debts, and liabilities are not fully disclosed.

• Pandemic Impact: The COVID-19 pandemic affected the hospitality and real estate industries, likely impacting Trump’s revenue from golf courses and hotels.

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Was Forgoing a Salary a PR Move?

Trump frequently touted that he wasn’t taking a salary as president. While technically true, the financial benefits his businesses received during his presidency far exceeded the $1.6 million he “gave up” over four years.

Critics argue that his salary donation was a symbolic gesture that distracted from the much larger financial gains he made through:

• Political groups funneling money into his properties.

• Government agencies spending at Trump businesses.

• Foreign governments potentially seeking influence through their patronage.

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Final Thoughts: Did Trump Profit From His Presidency?

While Trump did not take a salary, his businesses clearly continued generating significant revenue during his time in office. Whether this was intentional or a natural result of his position is up for debate, but the numbers suggest that his presidency wasn’t a financial sacrifice in the way he often portrayed.

With ongoing legal battles and new financial disclosures emerging, the full scope of Trump’s business dealings during his presidency may continue to unfold. However, the available data shows that even without a salary, his time in office was far from a financial loss.

Would you consider Trump’s presidency a financial “win” for his business empire? Let us know in the comments!