The Future of Donald Trump’s Businesses Post-Presidency: Will They Thrive or Fail?
The Future of Donald Trump's Businesses Post-Presidency: Will They Thrive or Fail?
With Donald Trump's presidency drawing to a close, the question arises: what will happen to his extensive network of businesses? Will they continue to thrive, or will they face the same fate as before?
Acknowledging the Past
During his time as President, Trump was forced to divest his businesses from the government's commercial system to avoid conflicts of interest. However, this did not stop him from accruing massive debts and losing billions of dollars. The situation is markedly different for his successor, Joe Biden, who continues to own property and collect rental income on a global scale.
Family and Management
Trump's businesses are now managed by his family members, including Donald Jr., Eric, and a team of experienced executives and managers. Despite Trump's minimal involvement in their operations, these individuals are expected to handle the business with care and skill, relying on their president's previous experience and guidance.
Behind-the-Scenes Operations
During Trump's presidency, he often spent a significant portion of his day (approximately 9 hours) engaging in bilateral chats and golf practice, often on unsecured devices. This raises questions about the extent to which he was involved in the day-to-day management of his businesses.
Potential for Profit and Ethical Concerns
There is significant controversy surrounding the potential for Trump to continue profiting from his businesses post-preserved office. Under past presidencies, leaders have divested their business interests to avoid conflicts of interest. However, Trump has been criticized for attempting to skirt these rules, particularly through the Emoluments Clause. He has been accused of enriching himself through foreign diplomats who overpaid to patronize his businesses, a practice which would otherwise be illegal.
Trump has hinted at chronicling his business endeavors in a new book entitled "The Art of the Cooked Deals," which is expected to detail his past and future strategies in managing his business empire. Critics have labeled this approach unethical, suggesting that the president should have taken more proactive steps to end his business ties.
Legality and Divestiture
Before taking office, Trump signed over his business dealings to others to satisfy the legal requirement of avoiding conflicts of interest. However, some question the authenticity of this divestiture, noting that he retained control over these deals during the transition period. This has led to debates about the extent to which Trump complied with the law.
Critical Perspectives and Future Outlook
For many, the future of Trump's businesses remains uncertain. While there are hopeful signs that they are in capable hands, the large-scale financial losses seen during his presidency suggest that they may face significant challenges. Only time will tell whether Trump's family and management team can navigate the complex landscape of business management and overcome the hurdles that his presidency created.
Conclusion
The legacy of Donald Trump extends far beyond his presidency, and the state of his businesses is a matter of significant public scrutiny. Whether they will thrive or fall in the years to come remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the debate surrounding his business management will continue to be a topic of conversation for years to come.