Donald Trump’s brand has experienced mixed success worldwide, two months after his return to the White House. While his business is booming in India, his golf courses have been vandalized in Ireland and Scotland, and he has faced business setbacks in Indonesia.
The Trump Turnberry golf resort in Scotland was recently targeted by a pro-Palestinian group, which spray-painted the clubhouse with the words “GAZA IS NOT 4 SALE.” This act of resistance was in response to Trump’s proposal to take over the Gaza Strip, expel its inhabitants, and turn it into the “Riviera of the Middle East.” Another Trump golf course in Ireland was also targeted, with activists planting Palestinian flags on the greens.
Despite these setbacks, Trump’s business in India is thriving. The Trump Organization has licensed its brand to several luxury developments in the country, including Trump Towers in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Pune. These developments have become symbols of luxury and success, attracting a newly wealthy Indian jet set.
Anuj Puri, chairman of real-estate consultancy Anarock, notes that “the brand has become much larger than life, particularly after he’s come back for a second term.” Trump’s brand is so popular in India that it has become more newsworthy than even Indian politicians.
However, Trump’s business dealings have also raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest. As president, Trump has officially ceded management of his business interests to his children, but critics argue that this does not eliminate the risk of conflicts.
Deepanshu Mohan, a professor at India’s OP Jindal Global University, notes that “the Trump presidency is transactional, and is turning America into a more neo-patrimonial state, where there are blurred lines between the public and private space.” This has led to concerns that Trump’s business dealings may be influencing his policy decisions.
In Indonesia, Trump’s business ventures have faced significant challenges. The Nirwana golf resort, which was developed by the Trump Organization and a local partner, closed two years after opening due to financial difficulties. A new luxury development, Lido City, has also run into problems, with the Indonesian government halting the project over environmental violations.
Despite these challenges, the Trump Organization remains committed to expanding its business empire. A new Trump-branded golf course is set to open in Indonesia, and several new Trump Towers are planned for India in the coming years. However, the company’s business dealings will likely continue to face scrutiny, particularly given concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
