A shocking recent court ruling has torn down the illusion of Donald Trump as a successful business baron.
Trump’s Image Destroyed
Trump’s image has been built on the idea that he was a shrewd business mogul, most famously showcased as the host of “The Apprentice.”
Rampant Fraud
But beneath the façade, it appears that Trump’s empire was constructed on a foundation of rampant fraud.
Deceptions Uncovered
On Tuesday, Justice Arthur Engoron of the New York state court in Manhattan found that Trump and his adult sons had artificially inflated the value of his properties to deceive banks, insurance companies, and many others.
Properties Involved
These properties included his office buildings, golf courses, Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, and even his penthouse apartment at Trump Tower in New York, which he claimed was nearly three times its actual size.
The 207 Million Dollar Lie
His scheming and exaggeration of the penthouse resulted in an overvaluation of up to $207 million.
Future Implications
Engoron’s decision may have significant implications for Trump as it could make it easier for the state attorney general, Letitia James, to establish damages in an upcoming civil trial where she is seeking a penalty of about $250 million.
Trump Cancelled in NY?
Moreover, Engoron ordered the cancellation of certificates that allowed some of Trump’s businesses, including the Trump Organization, to operate in New York.
His Empire Crumbles
As his largest business hub, this ruling could mark the beginning of the end for Trump’s business empire. After decades of hiding behind smoke and mirrors, it seems like the jig is finally up.
First Time for Everything
Pending Trump’s lawyers’ appeal attempts, this could be the first time a government inquiry into the former president leads to real punishment.
More Than a Fine
Not only does the ruling have dire financial consequences, but it also deals a severe blow to Trump’s carefully crafted image as a successful tycoon, an image that was always more born in delusion rather than reality.
The Apprentice – A Master Class in Faking It
This facade was perhaps best exemplified in “The Apprentice,” where Trump played the role of a resolute and decisive leader in a meticulously choreographed television show.
Trump’s Weakness in Office
In reality, reports from the White House revealed that he often avoided confrontations and delegated unpleasant tasks during his tenure as President, never truly using his signature catchphrase, “You’re fired!”.
Stranger Than Fiction
Lying about his successes is not new to former President Trump. His life story, as told in his 1987 book “The Art of the Deal,” was largely a work of fiction.
“An Emperor With No Clothes”
Even the book’s ghostwriter, Tony Schwartz, described him as an emperor with no clothes.
Numerous tax revelations have exposed that Trump’s wealth is not as substantial as he claims, yet these exaggerations seem to have little impact on his devoted supporters.
Four More Charges Pending
Despite facing four criminal indictments, Trump continues to rally his base, who view him as a savvy player who exploits legal loopholes instead of a fraudster.
Relying on the Stupidity of His Followers
Trump’s ability to maintain the loyalty of his followers remains unshaken, with many dismissing legal challenges as politically motivated distractions to hide the sins of Democrats.
Trump in Denial?
As Trump embarks on the next chapter of his campaign while still facing additional indictments, he will continue to play a character that he has carefully crafted over the years.
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The post “An Emperor With No Clothes” – Trial Exposes the Truth Around Trump’s Wealth” first appeared on Fistful of Dollars.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Evan El-Amin. The people shown in the images are for illustrative purposes only, not the actual people featured in the story.