Has Donald Trump's Business Success Been a Result of Genuine Entrepreneurship or Merely Exploitation of Loopholes?

When discussing the business acumen of former President Donald Trump, the narrative often shifts from admiration to skepticism, with many questioning whether his so-called 'successes' were based on genuine entrepreneurship or simply the exploitation of loopholes.

It is widely noted that in his business ventures, Trump's track record is far from enviable. He has either declared bankruptcy or loped (a colloquial term often used to describe the illegal appropriation or deprivation of property, typically by a person in power) every business he's started. In his earlier ventures, inherited from his 'racist' father, Trump has managed to keep them going through dubious financial practices rather than genuine success.

A List of Trump's Business Failures and Bankruptcies

To substantiate these claims, here is a brief list of the finanziary meltdowns, lawsuits, and other public allegations against Trump:

1991 - Trump Taj Mahal: Bankrupted 1992 - Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino, Plaza Hotel: Bankrupted 1992 - Trump Castle Hotel and Casino, Trump Hotels and Casino Resorts: Bankrupted and Files for Bankruptcy in 2004 2009 - Trump Entertainment Resorts: Bankrupted 1992 - Trump Shuttle: Airline failed 1985 - New Jersey Generals: Football Team failed 2016 - Trump University: Ordered to cease and desist operations, fined $25 million for fraud 2018 - Trump Foundation: Ordered to cease and desist operations, fined $2 million for fraud, Eric Trump, Don Jr., and Ivanka Trump banned for life from running charities in New York

According to USA Today, an exhaustive study conducted in 2016 found that Trump and his businesses were involved in over 4,000 lawsuits, almost 200 of which involved non-payment and workmanship claims involving contractors. Additionally, a report by the Center for Public Integrity in 2019 revealed that ten city governments across Arizona to Pennsylvania claimed the president's political campaign has received hundreds of thousands of dollars in unpaid bills.

The Legal Controversies and Financial Issues

The question of Trump's success or failure in business is further complicated by the legal issues and financial irregularities he has faced. In 2018, Trump's foundation was ordered to cease operations and fined $2 million for fraud, including defrauding a charity for child cancer victims. His sons, Eric Trump, Donald Jr., and daughter Ivanka Trump, were also banned from running charities in New York.

Is Trump Actually Successful?

The authenticity of Trump's success remains a contentious issue. His history of lying about his businesses and himself makes it challenging for outsiders to determine the truth. However, legal systems and the rules of evidence and procedure provide a robust framework for determining the truth.

Current Legal Battles

Currently, Trump is facing a New York civil fraud case. Presiding Judge Robert G. Morgan Engoron has already found that Trump, his sons Eric and Donald Jr., and the Trump Organization engaged in fraud as a matter of law. The trial's penalty phase is ongoing, and the court's findings are awaited.

Why the Questions Persist

Despite any legal findings, several questions remain unanswered. For instance, why doesn't this 'successful' businessman pay his bills? Why is this 'billionaire' constantly begging for money? Why do Republicans defend a con man who steals money from a charity for children with cancer?

These questions highlight the need for a deeper investigation into Trump's business practices and the underlying issues that have led to his financial failures and legal disputes. It is time for both consumers and investors to scrutinize the activities of those who claim to be successful businessmen. It is also crucial for society to reexamine the ethics and integrity of individuals like Trump who hold positions of power and influence.