Donald Trump’s acquisition of Mar-a-Lago in 1985 remains one of his most notable deals, showcasing his unique blend of creativity and assertiveness. The luxurious Palm Beach estate, built by cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post in the 1920s, was initially gifted to the U.S. government in the hope that it would become a winter White House. But, facing steep upkeep costs, the government returned the property to the Post’s estate, which placed it on the market for $20 million – a steep figure at that time, even for high-end real estate.
Trump found out about the property, and offered $15 million but was rejected. He then made a strategic move: he purchased a small strip of beachfront land between Mar-a-Lago and the ocean for about $2 million, blocking the estate’s exclusive beach access. The estate’s value to other buyers dropped, giving Trump the upper hand in negotiations. Eventually, he acquired the entire property for a fraction of the initial asking price. This acquisition is the personification of Trump’s career approach: use bold, strategic maneuvers to turn deals to his advantage, even when the odds seem daunting.
Fast-forward to the 2024 election and Trump once again faced substantial challenges, not only with his real estate empire – but now also in legal battles, business woes, and politics. Federally, he was grappling with multiple criminal indictments related to alleged election interference, handling classified documents, and his role in the January 6 Capitol attack. On the civil front, Trump is entangled in a $450 million judgment ruling in New York, where he and the Trump Organization were found guilty of inflating assets to secure financial advantages. And these are only the government’s cases against him.
Despite his impediments, Trump’s playbook remains unbroken.
Determination and Persistence: Despite facing unprecedented scrutiny, Trump has shown resilience. Through legal battles, intense media bias, unyielding political opposition, and assassination attempts – Trump does not back down. His determination keeps his base loyal, with supporters admiring his refusal to fold even under significant pressure.
Creativity and Resourcefulness: Like his Mar-a-Lago purchase, Trump’s response to his legal and political hurdles demonstrates his commitment to finding unconventional solutions. He raised millions in campaign donations to fund his legal defense (reportedly over $40 million by mid-2023,) tapping into public support rather than letting costs burden his personal finances. Additionally, facing restrictions on his businesses in New York, he continues to pivot his brand toward national influence. Where others see barriers, Trump sees ways to reshape the game.
Leverage and Reach: When Facebook and Twitter banned Trump after the January 6 Capitol events, many believed his influence would wane. Instead, Trump created his own platform, Truth Social, giving him a new stage to speak directly to his audience. Today, Truth Social has an estimated valuation of around $1.4 billion. With his return to X, his reach is even more explosive. Throughout his career, Trump has always leveraged platforms and people – to build and maximize his influence, ensuring he remains relevant and connected to his objectives, regardless of external obstacles.
Trump has always embraced bold, sometimes risky decisions. With Mar-a-Lago, his approach to eliminate the competition was a gamble that paid off enormously. He employs boundless ingenious strategies that assert his willingness to push forward, no matter what. By being brazen and willing to take risks, he often stays ahead of his adversaries, even when the obstacles seem unsurmountable.
The Trump Playbook is a study of persistence, adaptability, and the power of creative thinking. Whether negotiating a real estate deal or running a high-stakes presidential campaign, Trump’s approach demonstrates that success often lies in turning obstacles into assets. His career shows the value of rewriting the rules, leveraging influence and adversity, and forging new paths to achieve goals against the odds. For anyone facing their own uphill battles, remember, sometimes, winning means rethinking limitations, embracing bold moves, and refusing to back down.
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Shmuel Shayowitz (NMLS#19871) is President and Chief Lending Officer at Approved Funding, a privately held local mortgage banker and direct lender. Approved Funding is a mortgage company offering competitive interest rates as well as specialty niche programs on all types of Residential and Commercial properties. Shmuel has over 20 years of industry experience, including licenses and certifications as a certified mortgage underwriter, residential review appraiser, licensed real estate agent, and direct FHA specialized underwriter. He can be reached via email at [email protected].
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