Good for business
Posted: Thu May 19, 2016 3:33 am
Washington: Business has boomed in Donald Trump's financial empire during the time he has run for president, according to an analysis of his federal disclosure forms.
The documents, including a lengthy filing released on Wednesday and one from last July, show that revenue has increased by almost $US190 million ($263 million), with gains coming from golf courses to branded merchandise to book royalties.
At his tony Florida resort Mar-a-Lago, revenue nearly doubled, climbing from about $US16 million in 2014 and the first half of 2015 to about $US30 million since the start of his campaign, according to the forms.
Sales of his licensed bottled-water brand, Trump Ice, are up as well - from $US280,000 last year to $US413,000 this year, the forms show.
Crippled America his book published in November, made between $US1 million and $US5 million in royalties, he reported.
The flood of cash highlights one of the most unusual aspects of Trump's candidacy - the potential that a private businessman can benefit financially from a run for the White House.
And it shows how his fortunes have evolved since last year, when his controversial comments about immigration and Muslims threatened to tarnish his business brand even if they boosted his political campaign.
Trump announced the new filing on Tuesday, saying he is "proud" that it "is the largest in the history of the FEC." Government officials declined to confirm Trump's assertion.
Presidential candidates are required to provide, under oath, an annual financial disclosure listing their business interests.
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/world/us-election ... z494LHbYkQ