Donald Trump's recent criminal conviction raises substantial concerns for the future of his renowned New Jersey golf properties. The New Jersey Attorney General's Office is actively reviewing the impact this conviction may have on the liquor licenses held by three Trump Golf locations: Trump National Golf Club Colts Neck, Trump National Golf Club – Bedminster, and Trump National Golf Club Philadelphia in Pine Hill, New Jersey. This probe follows a state law that disallows individuals convicted of crimes "involving moral turpitude" from maintaining a liquor license.
In May, a conviction was secured against Donald Trump on 34 counts of falsifying business records. These charges related to the concealment of hush money reimbursements to his lawyer Michael Cohen, intended for Stormy Daniels, whom Trump consistently denies having an encounter with. This resulted in payments made in 2017 that were misrepresented as legal expenses. Despite Trump's intention to appeal, the conviction stands as a mark of serious legal and ethical breach, prompting a revisit of his eligibility to hold liquor licenses crucial for the operation of his golf courses.
Trump's conviction places the licenses at peril, according to USA TODAY, given the state's rigorous requirements for maintaining a liquor license. New Jersey mandates that license holders be of "reputable character" and operate in a manner that reflects well on their establishment. Given that the liquor licenses are pivotal for the venues' operations—especially considering their role in hosting significant events like the 2017 U.S. Women's Open—the outcome of this review could severely impact the business.
In response to these developments, a spokesperson from the Trump Organization relayed to the media, cited in the same article:
"These are some of his most iconic properties in the world, and reports like this do nothing but harm the thousands of hard-working Americans who derive their livelihoods from these spectacular assets."
This statement underscores the broader ramifications of such legal challenges, not only on Trump's financial interests but also on the livelihoods of those employed by these golf courses.
This case takes an added layer of complexity considering the structural changes Trump made to these businesses before his presidency in 2017, transferring most business interests under the Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust, with his son, Donald Trump Jr., stepping in as the trustee. Although the former President himself does not hold the liquor licenses directly—a point emphasized by the Trump Organization—his criminal status could nonetheless jeopardize their renewal because of the association and the legal principles involved.
The outcome of this review by the New Jersey Attorney General's Office will be pivotal for Trump's real estate ventures in the area. It could dictate operational capacities at these premier golf courses and unravel broader implications on the economic and employment landscape connected to these establishments. As this situation develops, industry observers and stakeholders will be watching closely, considering both the legal precedents and the economic implications at hand.
About the writer
Alex Harrington has been a journalist for 8 years, specialising in technology, automotive, and motorsport coverage for the likes of ... Read more
