Trump Calls India ‘Dead Economy’, But His Largest Real Estate Business Outside US Is Here: Report

Last Updated:August 06, 2025, 17:45 IST

Until last year, the Trump Organization forged tie-ups with top builders and earned at least Rs 175 crore from 7 projects in Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata and Gurugram, said IE report

US President Donald Trump (Image Credit: Reuters)

Even as US President Donald Trump has called India a “dead" economy, his family-controlled business, The Trump Organization, has been seeing India as its largest market outside the US over the past 10 years, according to an Indian Express report.

Until last year, it forged multiple tie-ups with top builders and earned at least Rs 175 crore from seven projects in Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata and Gurugram, as per available records. From the first project announced in India in 2012, Brand Trump’s footprint is set to see, by the time these projects are complete, a near four-fold expansion to 11 million square feet, a sharp jump from approximately 3 million sq ft developed until last year, said the IE report.

After Trump’s re-election: 6 projects amounting to 8 million sq ft in past 8 months

“Over the last eight months, Brand Trump has been on an aggressive expansion drive in India. Soon after his election as the 47th President of the United States of America on November 5, 2024, The Trump Organization, along with its Indian partner Tribeca Developers, announced at least six projects in Gurugram, Pune, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Noida and Bengaluru, adding up to 8 million sq feet of realty development," the IE report said.

Of these, three projects totalling around 4.3 million sq ft — more than half of Brand Trump’s target — have already been launched in Pune, Gurugram and Hyderabad this year.

The Pune project, announced in March this year, is the first Trump-branded commercial project in the city. In a statement during the launch, Eric Trump, Executive Vice President, The Trump Organization, said, “India has embraced the Trump brand with remarkable enthusiasm".

About the Trump Organization

The Trump Organization is a privately held American conglomerate headquartered in Trump Tower, New York City. It serves as the principal holding company for the business interests of Donald J. Trump. Though originally founded in 1927, it was rebranded as the Trump Organization in 1971 when Donald Trump took control.

Business Areas: The Trump Organization operates across several sectors, with a strong focus on real estate development, hospitality, golf resorts, and brand licensing. It owns and manages luxury residential towers, hotels, and commercial properties across the U.S. and internationally. The company also operates high-end golf courses under the “Trump " brand, including notable ones in Florida, New Jersey, Scotland, and Ireland. In addition, it has earned substantial revenue by licensing the Trump name to real estate and consumer products around the world.

It lends its brand for upfront licence fees, or development fees, which could be construction-linked or, in most cases, a 3-5 per cent share in project sales. The properties are typically billed as luxury developments, with flats commanding a premium due to the President’s name being attached to them, said the IE report.

Leadership: The organization is primarily led by Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., both serving as Executive Vice Presidents. Eric Trump is more involved in the operational aspects of the business, including property management and development, while Donald Trump Jr. focuses on business strategy and branding. Though Donald Trump stepped back from management duties during his presidency, he retained full ownership and has since returned to playing an influential role in the company’s direction.

Legal and Financial Issues: The Trump Organization has been the subject of multiple investigations and legal challenges, particularly concerning tax practices, asset valuation, and business ethics. These issues have led to high-profile lawsuits and increased regulatory scrutiny, especially from authorities in New York. Some court rulings have resulted in financial penalties and restrictions on business operations in certain jurisdictions.

Public Profile: The company gained significant global visibility through Donald Trump’s reality TV career, especially via The Apprentice, and later during his earlier tenure as U.S. President.

Private Ownership: As a privately held entity, the Trump Organization is not subject to public financial disclosures like publicly traded companies. Most of its operations and financial details remain confidential, with management and control largely kept within the Trump family.

With Agency Inputs

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