Despite decreasing popularity in Ireland due to his potential third bid for the US Presidency, recent data indicates a substantial revenue increase at Donald Trump’s hotel and golf resort in County Clare, thanks largely to a growing tourism sector. The former US president reported over €22 million in earnings from the Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Ireland, according to documents submitted during the election process to the American government.
Although this sum represents only a fraction of the €467 million income the Republican candidate declared to the US Office of Government Ethics in a comprehensive 265-page submission, it implies increased prosperity for his business on Clare’s Atlantic coastline, despite waning Irish support for the man once addressed as “The Donald”. The survey takes a hit due to President Biden’s decision not to pursue a second term and the subsequent increase in American poll ratings for the Democratic nominee, Vice-President Kamala Harris,
Responding to queries concerning Trump’s Irish income, Joe Russell, the Doonbeg resort’s managing director, refrained from giving any comments on Friday.
The report values the golf links in Doonbeg at up to $50 million (€45.44 million), whilst the hotel is estimated to be worth up to $5 million. Furthermore, it itemises “resort-related revenue” totaling €15.23 million exclusively from the “golf course and resort” and an additional €7.29 million from hotel operations.
However, the time frame during which these funds were acquired isn’t specified in the report. The central company in Doonbeg accounted for €14.2 million of the 2022 revenue as economic activity resumed post-pandemic. That year, daily profits amounted to €933,435, despite a net loss of €740,288 following tax deductions.
In the latest disclosure, Mr Trump lists rental “receivables” stored in Allied Irish Bank for two subsidiary companies, namely Links Cottages Area Management Company and Doonbeg Common Area Management. The accounts of each organisation reportedly contain a sum ranging between €50,000 and €100,000.
Alongside, there were revelations around the financial aspects of Trump’s extensive business network, including an income of €300,000 generated from sales of branded Bibles. A brand headquartered in Miami, associated with golf and resort businesses, is said to have made $161 million. Furthermore, the Mar-a-Lago property in Palm Beach, Florida – a residence of Trump – contributed $57 million to his earnings.
In addition to these, a debt owed to author E Jean Carroll, exceeding $50 million, is also stated. In response to a defamation suit related to a sexual abuse incident, Carroll received an $83 million settlement from Mr. Trump, a decision he is currently challenging.
Ireland drew praise from Trump, the 45th President of the United States, on his last visit to County Clare in 2023, commending its ability to attract a wealth of companies. During his tenure, on a critical visit amidst Brexit negotiations in 2019, he drew parallels between the Northern Ireland Border and a wall, in his dialogue with the then Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar.