Making the Right Call

I heard about the challenges that company is facing (as many are) right now. I was also wondering as I listened what the real story was since this radio news network was the same place that said you filed for bankruptcy in the 80's. Thanks for clearing that up! It's encouraging to know savvy investors are still making money in this market.

I was sad to hear that you were forced to leave Trump Entertainment Resorts. It was good that you offered to buy the bondholders out. We'll never know if they were wise or foolish because Trump Entertainment Resorts will not be the same without the Trumps. I am glad that you are out of gambling.

When I think of Trump, I think of gleaming golden towers rising majestically into the skyscape of a great city somewhere in the world. I think of you golfing with the rich and famous on one of your fabulous golf courses or entertaining in a grand fashion at Mar-a-lago. I think of your great smile confidently giving advice to the hopeful in this world like rain on a parched desert.

IMHO, the closer that you stick to this stereotype, the more successful you will be. Gambling just doesn't fit- maybe once upon a time but not in this day and age.

Hope you can get the name off the resorts. Anything Trump should be run and controlled by Trump. If you look at the fiascoes that have damaged the brand, it is always someone else. They make a quick buck selling a product with your name- and you get the egg on your face when they inevitably fail- or worse get negative press. After all- Trump without Trump is just not Trump.

Trump National sounds like it would be just up your alley. Maybe you can get the president to start golfing there. Just imagine what could happen when two great minds get together for golf, the sharing of great ideas, and the inevitable publicity that such an event will attract.

Best of luck!

Mr. Trump:

Would you prefer that your name was taken off the hotels ? No, why now ?.
You LOVE to put your name on your properties, those properties become like your "children", you identify with them. if your properties go down the hill, let your name go down with them too, if you baked that cake then eat it !

Hi Donald Trump. Right move again and, GOOD FOR YOU. But only 1% sounds rather low to be the chairman? You certainly have the knack to turn things around and I can only declare they would be better off accepting the offer.
I wonder if you ever read the comments and observations on your blog? Me, I am at the other end of the world but still strive to keep up-to-date on all the goings-on. Oh well, have a great year and wish you would write a lot more than you do.

I used to chat with Brett although he seems to be out of the picture now. Hopefully OK.

The Anchor Guy from ZA

How interesting. So are you suggesting that you are going from Trump the great builder of fantastic towers to Trump the Golf Pro? Isn't this kind of a mixed brand message?
Arnold Palmer, or Tiger Woods would easily be a brand name associated with golf. I'm not sure if either of them would have as big a following as you do if they bought a hotel in Manhattan though.
What about all of the people you employ? Building fantastic buildings gives jobs to people who really need them on a much larger scale than employment at a golf club.

A leopard doesn't change its spots. Neither should you. Why not continue doing what you do best, and leave playing on the golf courses to the Masters?

Have you forgotten who you are and what brought you to that level of success?

Yes, it's a tough market and that's why the world will be watching you. They have confidence that you have the brains, experience, and connections and believe you can find creative ways to solve the toughest problems.

Building is what you love to do. So do it! Be loyal to Trump.

The smart deal for the Washington DC golf club was Bondy Way Development Corp who according to Loudoun County, Virginia, property records had a fair market value for 487.2 acres at $19.1 million and Bondy Way only paid $218,040.96 of taxes on the property in 2008. Sweet deal!
Now he can sell it to Trump, collect a sweet profit and go on to the next great deal.

With your name attached to the golf course, you raise the standards of "high-end" golfing to "elite fashion". Maybe this will be the next tourist attraction for fashionistas from Europe or should we invite Ireland instead? Either way you may have created your own personal United Nations playground.
Good job!

Even though the news was not positive regarding the situation in Atlantic City regarding Trump Entertainment Resorts, I was very impressed by your discussions with Niel Cavuto on the subject. The respectful way in which you discussed the entire matter has become the key element of who you are in my mind sir. Your standing in the rarified world of the high finance super teams is well deserved. I doubt there are many who can share your willingness to "bail out" the bondholders of an operation that has long gone off track ... I would assume there are some reasons the bondholders turned down your offer - my guess is that the reasons are deeply located in continued wrong headed concepts that possibly put that empire in the financial trouble it is in. Let us hope they find a reasonable recovery path - After all they have your history to measure by ... and you have Never Given up on any worthy effort - that no doubt is a major factor in your success - Well done sir, I appreciate all you do. The DC Golf Venture is a classic ... well done on that one too.

What if...

Sin City gained a chairman at Trump Towers in Las Vegas?

The stimulas plan in our view, was half way right. People need jobs in the main stream America. Why did no one ask the small, mid and large Companies to hire just one or two people that were layed off in the real-world. Hire them and maybe help in the corporate & business incentives of tax structure. The President pushed it through...and gave in to future jobs and his visions. In our view: half right.

We would love to see Mr. Trump at Trump Towers in Las Vegas...but it is a gamblers nightmare in Sin City....why?

I've got to say, staying at the top is the only place to be in an economy like this.
I used to be embarassed to say we're doing well year-over-year, but I'm not any more.
Sales are up and I just read "Think Like A Billionaire" and am hooked!
Will be attending a session of Trump U in Greenbelt, MD this evening.
Life truly is good!
Chris
http://alexandriacarpetone.wordpress.com

Mr Trump
I was saddened to hear that you stepped down from your position in Atlantic City. Although I only own a small amount of Trump Entertainment stock, I held on to it thinking you would turn it around.
Who am I to give my opinion but I live in a community on Long Island where a golf course with a small exclusive restaurant is surrounded by private residences. This business could not thrive in this economy as only a golf course and restaurant. Therefore, they started to use the restaurant facility as a catering hall for weddings and large corporate events resulting in excessive noise from the amplified music and traffic late at night. The residents that surround the golf course protested their expansion within a residential community because when it was built, it was only slated as just a golf course from the start years ago. I wonder can golf course prosper in this economy?

Regards, Ray

Dear Mister Donald J. Trump,

Anyone who has followed you lately on television, and I watch almost ZERO TV Sir, knows that you were already exploring the idea of a resort in Scotland and they wouldn' t sell!

Anyone connected with gambling should have at least heard that Las Vegas is resembling a ghost town these days!

Anyone following the news knows that building construction is way, way down. And I doubt that even with your Billion$ - that you could magically pull it out of the slump it is in all by your lonesome.

I am sorry I missed you being interviewed. I really like those interviews of you that I got through Trump University. It seems that you are doing whatever it takes to keep the economy rolling! We are all just a single individual whether we are married, have a big family, lots of money or a little. There is only so much that one person can do in ONE Lifetime!!!!!

p.s. And I think you're giving it one helluva go, Sir!

JGD SP FL USA 33705

This is for Cheryle and others curious about golf. If you want to understand the Trump Brand go to Trump.com. The new web site is fantastic. There you will find Trump being promoted as a Global Superbrand- with four main focuses: Real Estate, Hotel Collection, Golf Clubs, and Entertainment. Donald Trump does not buy golf courses to be a golf pro- he buys golf courses to turn ordinary courses into world class courses- then builds homes and/or hotels around them. And just as his skyscrapers are magnificent- so are his gold courses- just in a different medium- they are impressive masses of breath-takingly beautiful land rather than awe-inspiring towers into the sky.

In this market, a person would be crazy to build a skyscraper. First you need loans to build- and no one is lending. Secondly, your customers need loans to buy- and no one is lending. But those who have money are spending on stress-reducing and escape- so they will spend on golf vacations and even if they don't have money- they will spend on TV. Think that just like Hollywood had a hey-day in the thirties with their rags to riches and millionaire lifestyle movies, we'll spend our times watching reality shows about real people getting big chances, getting expensive makeovers and million dollar weddings today- in fact those shows are already big.

If you want to invest in land and have available cash, then investing in golf is a great idea- because even if you can't build homes and hotels at the moment, you CAN build the courses with your available cash and you can get positive cash flow as people spend money at those courses. Washington DC is also a good idea because all eyes are on our new president, and their is a lot of attention on Washington DC. And in this financial crisis, the only one who has the kind of big money to invest that the banks once had- is the US Government- so big business will be making trips to DC- a lot of trips- so will governors and state officials, health insurance magnates etc. And I uspect that the golf courses that he will be building will have available land around them to build when the time gets right. Even in a down market, you have to find ways to grow and generate positive cash flow- and Donald Trump has found a way to turn his passion for golf into profit.

That's why this piece was entitled "Making the Right Call'.

Hi Mr Trump,

The reason the economy is sinking is because we are entering a new era. A gigantic paradigm shift. I guess you have heard about Maya and the new 2012 cycle. We will get a new economic system. After all growth can not continue much longer so we need to replace competition with cooperation. It won´t happen overnight of course but that is where we are going. It´s part of a bigger plan for humanity.

Making the Right Call is "giving back" not ego-building. America doesn't need another over-priced golf course that only the rich and "great pretenders" can afford to play on.
More Americans need affordable housing. States and cities need to build-up their tax base, especially in areas that have lost businesses such as manufacturing.
I travel a lot. I can't believe how many neighborhoods, large and small cities have abandoned buildings with boards instead of windows and signs of vandalism instead of well-maintained public areas.

Some of these places look like we fought the war in Iraq here instead of there. There is garbage that shouldn't be there. Sidewalks and streets that need to be repaired. Schools that need state-of-the art technology and supplies so children (the future taxpayers) will have a safe and decent place to learn.

Unless you live in a glass bubble, you should know there are plenty of opportunities to build places where families can live, with businesses that can prosper, with hospitals that have the necessary supplies and training, and updated fire trucks, police cars and ambulances that work for the public good.

All of these places don't need to be skyscrapers. A well-planned community that provides local art, entertainment, great food, religious and social opportunities doesn't have to have a penthouse view.
And they don't need to be built too close to large bodies of water that can be destroyed by floods and hurricanes.

As leaders mature, they are expected to have higher standards of excellence and wisdom. I admire the dedication and generosity of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. I admire Bono and U2 for their efforts to help others in need. All of them have made many milions of dollars. What I admire most, is the way they are spending it.

So, you can do what you want, it's your life, but I see a greater need for money well spent in building decent affordable housing. If this changes your brand image, I think it will be an image that is more respected than being famous for building unnecessary golf courses with "over-rated" price tags.

That is what great humanitarians do.

Leaders give back...And Mr. Trump does give back in his own path.

Cheryle...Bill Gates is a great person. But does he spend time at TrumpU helping others in busines or studies or in Mr. Trump's blog?

cheryle...are you a supporter of Mr. Trump or any good deeds that the staff, students and or business enterprises or any foundation's ? Whether we agree or dissagree..the truth is you show us anything?

Just wondering...

Is a network worth $1? Cheryle...it 's right in front of you...Thank you for supporting a network at TrumpU

Yes i also believe the situation in economy is complicated and complex. I predicted there will be a collapse in 50 years span. The nature is the culprit of it. I think you must act decisively, make a plan and be prepared.

Trump builds dreams. In today's world, we need all the dreams we can get. A billion dollars is not a whole lot of money in the scale of things- about 15 cents for every person in the world. For most of us, that would not buy anything- for some people, it might be enough to keep their child from starving today. This is to illustrate that even billionaires have to focus on what they can do rather than trying to do it all.

Until the banks are lending again, building homes is impossible. If they were built, no one could buy them. Right now housing is affordable- there are houses for sale for less than $20,000 all over this country. Houses that went for $250,000 three years ago, are going for under $100,000 now. Affordable housing is not the answer- fixing the financial crisis is the answer.

And maybe, the ideas that will fix everything- that will put everything back together again- will be born on some overpriced golf course where two "great pretenders" put their heads together and come up with a solution.

About making the right decisions at the right time. It was probably the right time to abondon ship. It doesn't seem to have been going well and if you can't have 100% authority, considering your expertise on the area, it's probably not worth staying as it would most likely drag you down even further. I think I would have done the same concerning this kind of matter.

I mean, in this kind of situation where you have a company that goes really bad and you really think you are the one who knows best it's either my way or no way. You don't want, and there is no time, to share the rudder wheel if you don't really see any competence in the other people, which I assume is the case. It may sound rough, but it is rough times.

Anyways about the right people in the right place. Saw a press conference from SAAB this week and it has to be the most boring and uncarismatic CEO I've seen in a long while. And it wasn't so hard to understand why they have been in deep trouble for so long. To me, the company is the people behind it. That's why Trump Organization is the Trump Organization.

And I'm glad to hear that your moving forward with your business on other fronts. I don't think the case is what you said Cheryle, that Trump needs to start buliding for the less rich people. I think we are all best off by letting each person, in this case Donald Trump, do what they do best. And that he certainly does. I mean, you just have to look at the university, the great shows, all the superb books. Lots and lots of people are better off, including myself, because of Donald Trump and he is a great plus to this world.

By the way what is wrong with those bondholders?


Peace

Mr. Trump-

I read and learn as much as I can about many topics including the market and events surrounding us and continually admire your instincts and moves. Thanks for continually sharing your expertise. I am continually implementing plans and strategies as allowed and timing is foundational!
Also- I am looking forward to the new Celebrity Apprentice! Valuable lessons.

Respectfully-
Kathleen

Something has to be done. Is Mr Clinton right in his assertation that Mr Bush could have avoided this? I think the last 8 years we've seen the trickle-down mentality come down on us hard. With no regulatory sytem in place forces people to rely on the integrity of business execs to do what's right. But right for who? The customer? The executive? The stock market? The employees? I've recently seen a lack of balance here. Too much greed coupled with unsound business practices created this mess. For the people who believe less government is better is going to have a hard time convincing people in the future their ideaology is correct. I think for a while sitting by will not do. You have to try something. At least Obama is making an attempt. I havent seen that from the last administration.

Loaning and adding burden will not make things any better. I think if the US would give free education and lowered prices of daily food products as a way of subsidy is better. The poor are suffering and they get lost even more so when the great entrepeneurs turn into shcmucks. I propose rather than feeding the big fat bankers feed the working class. And offer them courses and skills. The hispanics and blacks are in their dire sitution because of lack of education. Mr trump if you can make a security guard your vice president, then is it not possible that many potential great employees are out there waiting for your training? I think you must make education your biggest investment dear sir beacuse without training a prince can turn to pauper abd a pauper into prince if he was given the training. I got bill zanker's and your book think big. I loved it. I am asupporter of Obama as well and hope he can make America flourish again.

Dear Mr Trump,

Your vision keeps us motivated. Your golf plans are a win win, I wish you success with that venture you are embracing.

With reference to these times, yes, we have not known this phenomena that is the current crisis.

What my gut tells me is simple, Madoff and all his likeminded brothers must be held 100% accountable for their "pure" greed.

Sincerely,

Martin Mckay

www.mckay-group.co.uk

Just do everything In your Way,I know you already have your Strategy before you making any Decision...

Once again Mr. Trump, it seems you have your finger on the pulse of the market, and your timing and location I'm sure will prove to be key. It will be interesting to watch the developments in Washington DC and to see what other ideas can come from your day's work on the grounds.

I agree that entertainment is a good area to enter, especially economical media, in times when finances are more restricted. People need to feel good when times are hard, and I'm sure with your creative approach and panache, there will be lots of entertainment available in any of your endeavors.

The way I have seen it since 2006, Trump Entertainment could not be successful due to many management errors, Ego issues at the top and too many locations for the marketplace. Trump Marina, cannot compete effectively next door to Borgata and Harrahs, the Marina was like an orphan out there and like its predecessor the Trump Castle, it had nothing unique to bring in the Whales, if the casino was made into a boutique casino catering to the elite gambling class, it may have survived. Their was no direction. (2), Trump Plaza, never had a chance, in 2007, a conversion into hotel rooms and possibly Condos or a time share may have worked, utilizing the limited financial resources for the Taj Mahal, to compete effectively v. The Borgata and again setting itself apart from the other 11 properties was and still is necessary to its survival.

(3). The gambling base has been lost to PA SLOT PARLORS AND New York casinos. Atlantic City failed to become a major destination beyond gambling because the casino's and the State elected officials squeezed it every year from taxation to the smoking ban, to numerous regulation after regulation, the strangle hold on the casino industry in New Jersey by state laws has contributed to the crippling effect we see today.

TRUMP Casino properties and all of the other properties need to back to the beginning when gamblers were welcome with " FOOD & ROOM COMPS" after playing $2.00 roulette, .25 cent slot
machines,black jack etc, but not based on how long or how much money the patron spent, it was good business to hear a guy who won or lost $50.00 say to his wife or girlfriend, Ahe Babe, come-on I just was comped for food at the Deli, or comped an overnight stay with breakfast.

Customer service and lower table minimums with smart operational management can win back the small dollar player, Volume brings value to the casino game. How about Stay two nights for $25.00 a night, with free breakfast, and if you gamble until noon all day, expect a lunch and dinner too, while hear at our casino.

Atlantic City needs to compete with Philadelphia and the other counties in PA, where the slot parlors are rising our of the ashes of industrial sites. Philadelphia (the city) will never have slots because of the negativity by a few residents and a Mayor(M. Nutter) who isn't a leader with a weak city council
the casino industry should look to the Camden waterfront for new casino properties, lure those two casinos to Camden or Gloucester County, that is where a new Trump Casino should be built, or along the shores of Delaware.

The New Jersey CCC, should take a short look at gaming expansion along the Delaware because, PA is cleaning the clock of Atlantic City Casino's and the revenue loss is being felt statewide, not just in Atlantic county.

Donald you keep pushing Trump Ent; is only 1% of your wealth, I wish I had the 250-million you are committed to putting into the pot. My small business is suffering, and could use a few orders, so I can keep my doors open. (www.lumberkings.biz). Consider contacting me and my company can produce some really nice T-shirts and more for you to give away to your customers.

I have been critical of your casino operations going back to 2005. I have tried my best to warn management of the events that have unfolded and no one would listen. I stopped doing business with your casinos in AC, when it was taking six months to be paid a couple of thousand dollars for slot machine parts.

The 1.5 billion debt, could be cut in half, if you sell the Plaza for $300-million, sell a 50% interest in the Taj Mahal for $750 million to an actual Indian Billonaire (Tata Motors), and restructure the balance of the debt with a 500-million line of credit, The Taj Mahal can be a survivor,when the market turns up or management at Trump Ent, hires me for some additional consulting advise.

Joe
Frontier
www.lumberkings.biz

Hi I am from Leo Hayes High School and i am doing a report on an article i read on you. the only thing that i did not get is why did you move from New York to Manhattan?

thanks for taking time to read my question.

If anyone should make the right call, Obama has dome it. we all sat in the back sit of Bush van while chenney did the driving as we went to hell on a field trip. Now we are at the doors of hell and the door is open, no one wants to get off the van and walk through the gates.
Along came Obama, but he now can not be the Jesus of our time. Let us all work together at this present moment and thing will be ok some day not now>>>>>>........

Sir,you on the 2/18/2009 proclaim to secede Trump Entertainment Resorts at Atlantic City. And the news was reported in my country,but I must to tell you one very important thing about you and your Trump Organization. There are many infringement course infringe upon You or Trump Organization.
I try to contact with you many times,even come to New York City on 5/18/2008. That weekend you went to Los Angeles for The Apprentice,but I saw Mr. George at Trump Grill and tell him the infringment course. You can confirm with Mr. George if someone comes from Taiwan wants to see you and tell you the thing. If you don`t care this important thing,you`ll be the blockhead or fool.

God bless you and Trump Organization!

kuangwei Wu

Taiwan Taipei 3/26/2009 PM02:31