The Trump Organization, once synonymous with New York real estate, has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. The company's focus has shifted southward, with its Florida golf and resort properties now serving as the primary source of revenue.
According to a Reuters analysis, the Trump Organization is projected to generate approximately $80 million in cash flow after operating expenses in 2024, with about four-fifths of this amount coming from its golf and resort business. This marks a stark contrast from a decade ago when these properties were considered a financial burden on the company.
Mar-a-Lago, the opulent Palm Beach club where Donald Trump resides, stands as the crown jewel of this Florida-centric empire. The analysis estimates that Mar-a-Lago will generate $24 million in cash in 2024, making it the most lucrative property in the Trump portfolio.
"The Trump Organization is the strongest it has ever been. We have the best and most iconic assets anywhere in the world and I am incredibly proud of not only everything the company has accomplished, but also everything my father has accomplished in the political world."
The success of Trump's Florida properties reflects his enduring popularity among affluent supporters, particularly in strongholds of his Make America Great Again movement. Christopher Henry, CEO of Majestic Hospitality Group, noted that Trump "has galvanized people who are his base to come spend their money at his places because they want a piece of him."
While the golf business thrives, the Trump Organization faces significant challenges. The company is grappling with over $530 million in court judgments and interest against Trump, some family members, and his companies. Additionally, the weak commercial real estate market in New York poses a threat to Trump's Manhattan properties.
The Trump Organization's pivot to Florida is further evidenced by its expansion plans. The company is seeking approval to build nearly 1,500 residential units at Trump National Doral, just outside Miami. This would mark the group's first major new property development since completing condominium-hotel towers in Las Vegas and Chicago in 2008 and 2009, respectively.
As the Trump Organization continues to evolve, its future remains closely tied to the performance of its Florida golf properties and the outcome of ongoing legal battles. With Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. now based in Jupiter, Florida, overseeing what company literature refers to as the "Trump Golf empire," it's clear that the Sunshine State has become the new center of gravity for the Trump business world.