President Trump has proposed transforming Gaza into a luxury destination, likening it to the “Riviera of the Middle East.” However, his past business ventures in Atlantic City serve as cautionary tales about the dangers of hype and self-dealing. During the 1980s, Trump’s casinos brought in significant revenue but also led to bankruptcies due to excessive debt. Investors were swindled, with millions being funneled into Trump’s personal accounts.
Trump’s tactics have been described as a combination of charm, force, and manipulation. His ability to lure money from lenders is legendary, but it often comes at the expense of his partners and investors. The plan for Gaza raises questions about whether neighboring countries can afford to foot the bill or if Trump will again find dumb money willing to invest in his projects.
Critics argue that Trump’s vision for Gaza is driven by personal gain rather than a genuine desire to improve the region. His past failures in Atlantic City demonstrate that hype matters, and investors should be wary of blindly following his lead. As one expert notes, “The world gets bigger, but he doesn’t think bigger.” It remains to be seen if Trump’s latest proposal will find success or succumb to the same pitfalls that have plagued his business ventures in the past.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/danalexander/2025/02/08/to-understand-trumps-gaza-fantasy-look-to-atlantic-city