Trump International Hotel & Tower (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
An artist’s rendering of what the Trump International Hotel & Tower in Fort Lauderdale would look like. Image Source: The Ocean Residences
Trump International in Fort Lauderdale followed the same licensing playbook as Trump’s forays in Tampa and Mexico. And like those other two, Trump heartily endorsed the building and shied away from admitting he was only nominally involved in the development.
“It is with great pleasure that I present my latest development, Trump International Hotel & Tower, Fort Lauderdale,” a Trump brochure read. “This magnificent oceanfront resort offers the finest and most luxurious experience I have created.”
In addition to those last three words, which imply both personal involvement and ownership, the brochure included the following statement next to Trump’s signature: “Only one developer could produce this landmark.” Of course, Trump was not actually the developer.
Trump took his name off the project in 2009, and the following year, the project sank. Like the buyers in Tampa and Baja, early investors sued — and are still suing — Trump to get back some of the money they lost.
The building has now opened under new ownership. Maybe this time, without Trump’s involvement — however slight his involvement actually is — the property will succeed.
Next, check out 20 Donald Trump quotes that you really need to see to believe. Then, discover the other unbelievable skeletons hiding in Donald Trumps closet.
