Donald Trump Might Have a Legal Trick Up His Sleeve To Keep a Beloved Property in His Real Estate Portfolio

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SheKnows may receive an affiliate commission.

Donald Trump is reportedly scrambling behind the scenes in the wake of his New York business fraud case. He’s trying to save his real estate portfolio after Judge Arthur Engoron ruled that he, his sons Donald Jr. and Eric Trump, and the Trump Organization are liable in the ongoing case where he is accused of inflating the value of his properties. Now, the former president is apparently trying every legal strategy to keep Mar-a-Lago in his possession.

Paul Golden, a partner at New York law firm Coffey Modica, toldNewsweek that Donald Trump may try to utilize Florida’s home-protection laws to his advantage. This could possibly shield him from a court order, but Golden thinks he has a long fight ahead of him to keep Mar-a-Lago from being auctioned off. “If the New York case affected one of the entities that owns the Florida property, and in response Mr. Trump claims that this constitutional provision assists him, Mr. Trump would have at least a few roadblocks,” Golden explained. 

One of the major issues facing Donald Trump is whether he “would be considered a Florida resident who considered that property his residence.” Golden added, “One would expect that [New York Attorney General] Letitia James would claim that it cannot truly be considered a residence because it is a members-only club with guest rooms. If only a portion of the property would be considered his ‘residence’, then there are further complications.” And of course, there is the debate whether a New York court decision can be overridden by Florida Law. The attorney called it “a seriously complicated issue,” especially since Mar-a-Lago would need to be owned by “owned by a natural person” and not a trust, according to Florida law. 

With Trump Tower likely one of the first properties to go, it’s not surprising to hear that Donald Trump is trying to work every angle to save Mar-a-Lago. The former president built his reputation and his career on his real estate holdings, so losing any of the major buildings with his name on it would be a serious blow to his ego.

Before you go, click here to see all of the biggest and most expensive celebrity homes!