Plans for a new Trump-branded mega-tower on Australia's Gold Coast have surfaced, reigniting a property ambition first conceived over a decade ago and provoking a mixed reaction from the public.
Gold Coast Ambitions and a Familiar Developer
According to council sources speaking to the Gold Coast Bulletin, the Trump family is believed to be behind proposals for a major tower on a prime beachfront site at 3 Trickett Street in Surfers Paradise. The plans, which include renders, reportedly feature the iconic gold 'Donald Trump' lettering synonymous with the family's global hotel portfolio.
A council source confirmed that while no formal development application has been submitted to the City, they have seen the proposals. "It's nothing new - it's not the first time this property has had Trump interest. It's the same developer. It's the Trump Tower," the source stated.
The site, a 3,494-square-metre vacant plot, has been empty since 2013. It is currently owned by Macau casino operator Loi Keong Kuong, who purchased the land for $56.5 million in 2019. The previous owner, Chinese developer Forise, had secured approval for an 89-storey super tower but abandoned the project after excavating a $120 million hole.
Local Support Meets Public Skepticism
Some local figures have expressed support for the potential investment. Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate noted he had previously written to Donald Trump to promote the city and stated, "We need more hotel developments in advance of the 2032 Olympics and we would welcome an investment of this nature."
Local Liberal MP Zoe McKenzie suggested the Trump interest could expand, even floating the idea of 'Trump Islands' on underdeveloped islands like Dunk, Keppel, and Lindeman.
However, the news has been met with significant negativity from many Australians on social media. Reactions ranged from simple pleas of "Please, just no" and expressions of disgust to sarcastic remarks about avoiding becoming a "53rd state." One commenter conceded, "If such a thing was ever gonna go in AU, Goldie is the place I suppose."
A Long-Standing Interest in Australian Property
This is not the Trump family's first foray into Gold Coast property. Donald Trump previously negotiated a near-identical hotel project in 2008, which was shelved due to the global financial crisis. At the time, Trump indicated he would seek an Australian partner for any venture, telling the Australian Financial Review, "If I do something in Australia, I'd want to have a partner in Australia."
If the new plans proceed, they would likely be executed by The Trump Organization, run by Donald Trump's sons, and potentially involve an unnamed Australian development partner. The current landowner is reportedly exploring ways to make the project a reality.
The proposal sits at a preliminary stage, with no official application lodged. The Daily Mail has contacted The Trump Organization and Mayor Tom Tate for further comment.
