11-11-2021
Former President Donald Trump's company is facing the loss of its New York City golf course due to the former president's role in the Capitol insurrection.
"The City of New York will not be associated with those unforgivable acts in any shape, way or form," Mayor Bill de Blasio said days after Jan. 6 when the city terminated the Trump Organization's licensing deal for Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point Park in the Bronx.
The Trump Organization has sued to reinstate the licensing deal, which is set to expire Sunday, with Trump alleging that the decision stemmed from animus against him on the part of de Blasio.
CNN reported Thursday that even though a judge has agreed to delay the termination, the golf course appears to be "another likely casualty to stem from former President Donald Trump's actions on January 6 before rioters stormed the US Capitol."
"The case highlights how Trump's activities during the final days of his presidency continue to haunt him as he navigates numerous criminal investigations and business challenges linked to the Capitol riot," the network reported.
"The fight over the golf course is one of the latest examples of Trump's political rhetoric clashing with his business interests."
The NYC golf course, which the Trump Organization has operated since 2012, brought in more than
$8 million in revenue in the first 10 months of this year, according to court filings. The Jack Nicklaus-designed course reportedly features a presidential seal imprinted on the grass.
In addition to the golf course, the city terminated the Trump Organization's management of the Central Park Carousel and two ice skating rinks.
In terminating the golf course deal, the city cited the PGA of America's decision, in the wake of Jan. 6, to cancel an agreement to host its 2022 championship tournament at Trump's Bedminster resort, saying it would be "detrimental" to its brand.
One city official wrote, in denying Trump's appeal
of the termination, that the PGA's decision provided "irrefutable evidence that the Ferry Point course's ability to draw tournaments of the requisite caliber has been significantly impaired by the Trumps' actions leading to the events of January 6. That is a material breach of the License."
The city has has also accused Trump's lawyers of trying to intimidate potential bidders for the licensing rights to the golf course. In September, Trump's lawyers allegedly sent a letter to one bidder advising them to "proceed at your peril."
Whitney Crouse, a founding partner from Bobby Jones Links, which was awarded the bid to take over the NYC golf course, told CNN he is "aware of the risk that Trump could use his pulpit to go after them, but said they bid for the contract because they are confident New York will prevail in the litigation."
"We've thought long and hard about that," Crouse said.
"I'm sure something will be said, and it will be
in the press, and it will be controversial but six months from now or next year when golf season begins, golfers will have forgotten the issue."
Crouse added, "The world will move on as it has with other things with Mr. Trump."
Home 