Proving Donald Trump Is Not a Good Businessman Through Fact-Driven Analysis

Introduction

When we examine the records and evidence surrounding the business endeavors of former President Donald Trump, it becomes apparent that he is not a good businessman. This article delves into several instances that highlight his failures and questionable business practices.

Definition of a Good Businessman

Before diving into the specifics, it is essential to understand what it means to be a good businessman. A good businessman creates or finds a need and successfully meets it in a profitable manner. They make deals that benefit all stakeholders, from customers to workers and shareholders. Balancing profit through cost, volume, and price effectively is also crucial.

Specific Examples of Trump's Business Failures

1. Trump Water, Airlines, and Universities

Some of Trump's most well-known ventures, such as Trump Water, Trump Airlines (Trump Shuttle), and Trump University, did not fare well. Trump Water was more of a novelty than a viable business. Trump Airlines (Trump Shuttle) was initially successful due to its affordable pricing and convenience. However, Trump's conversion of the airline into a luxury service led to a significant loss of customers and ultimately the closure of the business. Trump University promised much but delivered little, often leading to legal issues and financial mishaps.

2. Licensing Fees and Unfulfilled Promises

Trump also collected licensing fees for the rights to develop buildings that never materialized. For instance, the company collected fees for the construction of buildings that faced insurmountable challenges and never got built. This practice does not reflect the values of a good businessman who should deliver on their promises and respect the financial commitments made to buyers.

3. Casino Bankruptcies and Golf Course Investments

Trump's ventures in casinos, such as Trump Taj Mahal and Trump Plaza, led to bankruptcy. These failures are commonly cited as evidence of his poor business judgment. In addition, Trump invested heavily in golf courses when the sport was not performing well. The inflated values he assigned to these golf courses often resulted in him receiving loans and then deflating their value to minimize tax obligations, a practice that is often seen as unethical and questionable in the eyes of investors and lenders.

4. Questionable Deals and Allegations of Corruption

Trump's business ventures have been marred by legal and financial scandals. He has been accused of putting money into golf courses during a time when the sport was struggling. This action can be seen as a strategy to inflate the perceived value of these golf courses, securing loans by overvaluing them, and then manipulating the assessment to avoid paying taxes. Moreover, allegations suggest that some of his financial dealings involved Russian funding and subsequent payback using national secrets or other benefits that could be considered illegal.

Conclusion

Considering the examples mentioned above, it is clear that Donald Trump has not met the criteria of a good businessman. His ventures have consistently made stakeholders, both within and outside his organization, question his judgment, ethical standards, and financial acumen. As the definition of a good businessman remains the same—balancing profit, volume, and price while providing value and benefits to all stakeholders—Trump's business practices and outcomes clearly demonstrate that he fails to achieve these objectives.

The evidence from Trump Water, airlines, universities, licensing fees, casino bankruptcies, and golf course investments paints a picture of a man who possibly squandered his talents and opportunities in business. His actions often led to financial and reputational damage, making it difficult to view him as anything other than a disastrous businessman.