Where Donald Trump's riches go: 10 surprising ways former president likes to spend his money
10 surprising ways Donald Trump likes to spend his money
Though he has always been open about his large purchasing power, former President Donald Trump's spending habits have garnered more attention than before. He does not desire material goods, whether expensive haircuts, enormous houses, golf courses, or Italian outfits. Certain shockingly reasonable items are among the former president's favorites, even though many are incredibly expensive. Let us take a look at 10 surprising ways Donald Trump likes to spend his money.
1. Trump's very own Boeing 757-200
Trump's personal aircraft, dubbed "Trump Force One" during the 2016 election, is a 757-200 that he bought from Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen in 2010. Trump says he paid $100 million for this ride, but according to a CNBC report, he only paid around $50 million. According to Forbes, a jet this size requires between $8,000 and $13,000 in operating costs every hour. Trump's aircraft only has enough seats for 43 passengers, compared to most 757-200s, which can accommodate more than 230. Trump invested $10 million in modifications after buying it from Allen, including the addition of a 24-carat gold-plated sink, gold service buttons, and seatbelt buckles. The aircraft also has a luxurious leather seating area and an advanced entertainment system for leisure.
2. Trump is a fast-food lover
Trump is a fervent lover of fast food, and he makes no secret of his love for restaurants like KFC and McDonald's. He declared that his favorite McDonald's meal is the 'fish delight' at a town hall in February 2016. Although there isn't a 'fish delight' item on the McDonald's menu, the former president was probably referring to the Filet-O-Fish sandwich.
3. Collection of luxury cars
Trump hardly drives these days and is used to having his car driven about. But in his civilian days, the millionaire also had chauffeurs drive him around New York in a limousine. Trump has an expensive fleet of high-end vehicles. According to Kelley Blue Book, a 2015 Rolls-Royce Phantom and a 2015 Mercedes-Benz S600, which start for $400,000 and $100,000, respectively, are among the vehicles in the car enthusiast's collection. It is improbable, though, that Trump chose the entry-level option for either transaction.
4. Trump uses Head & Shoulders shampoo
Trump said in a 2011 Rolling Stone interview that he uses Head & Shoulders to maintain the cleanliness of his hair. The majority of pharmacies sell the anti-dandruff shampoo for around $2.29. Trump explained in his book 'Trump: Think Like a Billionaire' that purchasing generic is actually a crucial financial lesson.
5. Owner of expensive homes
Trump has held court at a $12 million-plus triplex penthouse unit in Trump Tower since the early 1980s. The opulent 30,000-square-foot property was purchased for millions of dollars and is now believed to be worth $100 million, more than three decades later. Trump bought the 118-room Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, in 1985. The property, which now doubles as an elite private club, cost between $10 million and $15 million to purchase for Trump. Fortune estimates that the opulent estate is worth between $200 million and $300 million after more than 30 years.
6. Collection of rare books
Many people arrange fascinating books on their coffee tables for guests. Trump, however, elevates this idea to a whole new level. A coffee table book that might be interesting to him would be 'GOAT: A Tribute to Muhammad Ali'. Living in his flat in New York City, the book is believed to be worth $15,000. There were only 1,000 copies produced, and Muhammad Ali and the book's creator, Jeff Koons, autographed each of them.
7. Buying gifts for Melania
Trump likes purchasing pricey gifts for his wife, Melania. In 2014, Trump gave her a $3 million diamond ring as a gift for their 10th wedding anniversary. But according to a CNN story from April 2018, Trump was too "busy" to get Melania a birthday present.
8. The megayacht
Although he no longer sails the ocean, Trump reportedly paid $29 million to the Sultan of Brunei in 1987 for a 282-foot megayacht. Adnan Khashoggi, a Saudi billionaire and arms dealer, sold the yacht to the Sultan. He subsequently disclosed that, as a perpetual negotiator, he was able to obtain a $1 million reduction in exchange for agreeing to rename the yacht Nabila, after Khashoggi's daughter.
9. Trump's many golf courses
Given that he owns 19 golf courses, Trump is an ardent golfer who feels most at ease on the green. The New York Times claims that in 2012, he paid $150 million for his largest golf course, the Trump National Doral, which is located close to Miami.
10. Incredibly low tax payments
One might assume that a billionaire like Trump would have to foot a hefty tax bill every year, but according to The New York Times, he hasn't paid any income taxes in 10 of the past 15 years. In the year of his election and his first year in administration, the former president paid $750 in federal income taxes.
