The Truth Behind the Accusation of Donald Trump as a Grifter
Often depicted as a bold and daring businessman, Donald Trump is frequently labeled as a 'grifter'. But is this accusation accurate?
Where to Begin
The origins of the grifter accusation can be traced back to several instances in Trump's past, many of which were reported by media outlets. One notable example was his involvement with a kid's cancer charity, which orchestrated a portrait of Donnie Trump (likely referring to Donald Jr.) and charged for its installation in The Plaza Hotel but failed to provide funds for sick children. This led to a substantial fine and a permanent ban on his family from managing charities in the State of New York.
Another instance involves his University ofрас [Note: This might be an error in the original text, possibly referring to Trump University], which was accused of being nothing more than a Ponzi scheme, resulting in fines of $25 million. However, many claim that the true victims were the students who paid for this fraudulent program.
Then there are the contentious financial disclosures related to his properties. For example, when Trump sought a loan for a property valued at $65 million, he then valued the same property for tax purposes at a mere $3.5 million. This was considered fraudulent, leading to the resignation of his accountants. Such discrepancies have fueled the accusation of Trump being a grifter.
Defining a Grifter
The Oxford English Dictionary defines a grifter as 'a person who engages in petty or small-scale swindling.' While the term 'petty' might be overly dismissive, many of Trump's actions, especially the ones mentioned above, do align with the definition of swindling or deceit.
For instance, Trump's Trump Foundation is considered fraudulent due to its use of donations to pay for his oil portrait. This further solidifies the claim that the Trump family has engaged in grift. His and his children's permanent bar from charity work in the State of New York only adds to the credibility of the grifter label.
Beyond the financial discrepancies, Trump’s history with the Mafia and allegations of stealing from business partners in the 1970s would further paint a picture of someone who engages in unethical business practices. These are well-documented and published in numerous news reports.
Pathology and Implications
The accusation of being a grifter can also be seen as a reflection of Trump's underlying pathology. The alleged racism and white supremacy, as well as his disregard for individuals outside his inner circle, expose a mindset that prioritizes personal gain over societal responsibility. This selfish attitude, as well as the various financial schemes, have been consistent themes throughout Trump's career.
Perhaps the most damning evidence of Trump's reputation as a grifter lies in the fact that he supported and encouraged behavior that favored his financial interests at the cost of deceit and moral compromise.
Category: Finance Leaders
Tags: Donald Trump, Scams, Grifter