Why Trump Isn’t a Part of the Billionaire Elite: Debunking the Myth
There is a persistent belief among certain circles that Donald Trump is part of a shadowy billionaire cabal, a belief that the Illustrious Tycoon himself has sought to dispel on multiple occasions. However, the reality is far less glamorous, and many truths about Trump's finances and his status as a wealthy individual have been obscured by his own rhetoric and actions.
Trump's Public Finances and Luxurious Image
Despite his obsession with being in the spotlight, Trump is surprisingly private when it comes to his financial affairs. He often brags about his wealth, but when it comes to the actual state of his finances, his behavior speaks volumes. A quick Google Images search of his penthouse reveals everything to be plated in gold, but rather than looking opulent and luxurious, it looks fake and tacky. This discrepancy between his ostentatious image and reality is part of the reason why many do not believe he is part of the genuine billionaire class.
A Poor Man’s Idea of a Rich Person?
Trump is often described as a "poor man’s idea of a rich person," which is a characteristically apt phrase. His luxurious behavior, from the gold-plated fittings in his penthouse to the ostentatious conceptions of his wealth, comes across as a superficial attempt to emulate the rich rather than true affluence. This portrayal aligns with the idea that he may be a "weak man's idea of a strong man," as his actions are often transparent and appear more like a con artist on the lookout for the next opportunity to make a quick profit.
A Consummate Con Artist
Taking a closer look at Trump's past endeavors, one can easily identify him as a consummate con artist looking for his next opportunity to defraud others. His ventures, including the MLM he attempted to start, Trump University, and his now-defunct charitable foundation, have all left a trail of skepticism and doubt. The genuine billionaires, who have witnessed his failures and the myriad of schemes, regard him as a predator always trying to exploit those who mistakenly believe he is brilliant.
Disregarded by the Seriously Rich
It is important to recognize that Trump has never been taken seriously by the genuinely wealthy. The rich and powerful, such as the Koch brothers and Michael Bloomberg, are known for their significant contributions to the arts and charitable causes. These individuals, who support a wide range of organizations, have never listed Trump as a major benefactor. His inclusion in Forbes' "400" list is disputed, with Forbes explicitly stating that the only source for his wealth is Trump himself, his own claims are questionable due to the lack of transparency and verification.
The Nautical Tale of a Celebrity Faux-Nouveau Rich
It's worth noting that Forbes, in its disclaimer, highlights the potential for misrepresentation in Trump's wealth claims. Private information, such as the debts on the assets he claims to own and the breakdown of his property ownership, is not transparent, as it would be for genuinely wealthy individuals. This lack of transparency, combined with the fact that the largest philanthropists in the United States, including traditional billionaires like the Kochs and Bloomberg, do not list Trump as a major donor, underscores the fact that Trump is not a part of the genuine billionaire elite.
Conclusion
From a mix of personal behavior to financial claims, the evidence suggests that Donald Trump is more a mirage of a rich person than a genuine billionaire. His attempts to project an image of wealth and success, combined with his history of fraudulent and questionable business practices, make it clear that he is merely a "poor man's idea of a rich person" and a "weak man's idea of a strong man." The truth is that he is a predator himself, preying on those who mistakenly believe in his brilliance, and he is not part of the reputable billionaire cabal often feared or envied by others.