As The Atlantic reported in 2017:
“In 1990, with Trump Taj Mahal in hassle, Trump’s father Fred strolled in and acquired 700 chips worth a complete of $3.5 million. The acquisition helped the on line casino pay debt that was due, however as a result of Fred Trump had no plans to gamble, the New Jersey gaming fee dominated that it was a loan that violated working guidelines. Trump paid a $30,000 advantageous; ultimately, the loan didn’t forestall a chapter the next 12 months. As famous above, New Jersey additionally fined Trump $200,000 for arranging to maintain Black workers away from mafioso Robert LiButti’s playing desk.”
And The New York Occasions reported on Aug 16, 1990, that Trump’s supposed wealth was underwater. Based on The Occasions: “Donald J. Trump’s accountants and bankers have concluded that his empire is worth far lower than he contended late final 12 months — and that if he had been compelled to promote his belongings this spring he may not have realized sufficient cash to get out of debt.”
Nonetheless, that August, Trump sits with Barbara Walters for a “20/20” interview for his new guide, “Trump: Surviving on the Prime.” Within the interview, Trump begins by attacking the press:
“Whether it’s a marriage, by the way, or whether it’s financial, I’ve never seen press reporting as I have with regard to me. And, I hope the general public understands how inherently dishonest the press in this country is.”
Trump then goes on to attempt to spin Walters — who wouldn’t be spun — on how his teetering on the sting of chapter ought to really be seen as success.
In the midst of the interview, Walters put this to Trump: “In your book you say, ‘Success is so often a matter of perception.’ What do you think the perception of you is today?”
Trump responds: “I really don’t know what the perception is. I think people see me as a fighter. I think people have always seen me as a fighter. They know that I don’t take a lot of crap from people, and from others.”
That’s what it’s all the time about for Trump, then as now: notion, not actuality. He doesn’t need to be perceived as a loser, even when he’s. He doesn’t need to be perceived as a racist, even when he’s. He’ll bend heaven and earth to create an amenable actuality when the true actuality is counter to his conception of self.
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