Trump’s Largest Real Estate Expansion Outside US: The Indian Market
Despite US President Donald Trump calling India a 'dead' economy, his family-controlled business, The Trump Organization, has been aggressively expanding in India, with seven major projects in cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Gurugram.
Real Estate News:Even as US President Donald Trump has called India a “dead” economy, his family-controlled business, The Trump Organization, has been seeing India as its largest market outside the US over the past 10 years, according to an Indian Express report.
Until last year, the Trump Organization forged multiple tie-ups with top builders and earned at least Rs 175 crore from seven projects in Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, and Gurugram, as per available records. From the first project announced in India in 2012, Brand Trump’s footprint is set to see, by the time these projects are complete, a near four-fold expansion to 11 million square feet, a sharp jump from approximately 3 million sq ft developed until last year, said the IE report.
Over the last eight months, Brand Trump has been on an aggressive expansion drive in India. Soon after his election as the 47th President of the United States of America on November 5, 2024, The Trump Organization, along with its Indian partner Tribeca Developers, announced at least six projects in Gurugram, Pune, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Noida, and Bengaluru, adding up to 8 million sq feet of realty development, the IE report said.
Of these, three projects totalling around 4.3 million sq ft — more than half of Brand Trump’s target — have already been launched in Pune, Gurugram, and Hyderabad this year. The Pune project, announced in March this year, is the first Trump-branded commercial project in the city. In a statement during the launch, Eric Trump, Executive Vice President, The Trump Organization, said, “India has embraced the Trump brand with remarkable enthusiasm.”
The Trump Organization is a privately held American conglomerate headquartered in Trump Tower, New York City. It serves as the principal holding company for the business interests of Donald J. Trump, the former President of the United States. Though originally founded in 1927 as Elizabeth Trump & Son by Donald Trump’s grandmother and father, it was rebranded as the Trump Organization in 1971 when Donald Trump took control.
The Trump Organization operates across several sectors, with a strong focus on real estate development, hospitality, golf resorts, and brand licensing. It owns and manages luxury residential towers, hotels, and commercial properties across the U.S. and internationally. The company also operates high-end golf courses under the “Trump National” brand, including notable ones in Florida, New Jersey, Scotland, and Ireland. In addition, it has earned substantial revenue by licensing the Trump name to real estate and consumer products around the world.
It lends its brand for upfront license fees, or development fees, which could be construction-linked or, in most cases, a 3-5 per cent share in project sales. The properties are typically billed as luxury developments, with flats commanding a premium due to the President’s name being attached to them, said the IE report.
The organization is primarily led by Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., both serving as Executive Vice Presidents. Eric Trump is more involved in the operational aspects of the business, including property management and development, while Donald Trump Jr. focuses on business strategy and branding. Though Donald Trump stepped back from management duties during his presidency, he retained full ownership and has since returned to playing an influential role in the company’s direction.
The Trump Organization has been the subject of multiple investigations and legal challenges, particularly concerning tax practices, asset valuation, and business ethics. These issues have led to high-profile lawsuits and increased regulatory scrutiny, especially from authorities in New York. Some court rulings have resulted in financial penalties and restrictions on business operations in certain jurisdictions.
The company gained significant global visibility through Donald Trump’s reality TV career, especially via The Apprentice, and later during his tenure as U.S. President. While the brand once symbolized luxury and success, public and political controversies have affected its reputation, leading some business partners to distance themselves from the Trump name.
As a privately held entity, the Trump Organization is not subject to public financial disclosures like publicly traded companies. Most of its operations and financial details remain confidential, with management and control largely kept within the Trump family.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much has The Trump Organization earned from Indian projects?
The Trump Organization has earned at least Rs 175 crore from seven projects in Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, and Gurugram.
What is the total square footage of Trump's projects in India?
By the time these projects are complete, Brand Trump’s footprint in India is set to expand to 11 million square feet.
Who is Eric Trump and what is his role in the Trump Organization?
Eric Trump is the Executive Vice President of The Trump Organization and is more involved in the operational aspects of the business, including property management and development.
What are the main sectors in which The Trump Organization operates?
The Trump Organization operates across several sectors, with a strong focus on real estate development, hospitality, golf resorts, and brand licensing.
What legal and financial issues has The Trump Organization faced?
The Trump Organization has been the subject of multiple investigations and legal challenges, particularly concerning tax practices, asset valuation, and business ethics. These issues have led to high-profile lawsuits and increased regulatory scrutiny.