Villagers in Vietnam whose farms are to be bulldozed for a $1.5bn golf resort backed by the Trump family have reportedly been offered rice provisions and cash compensation as low as $12 per square metre. The project, a joint venture between the Trump Organization and Vietnamese real estate firm Kinh Bac City, broke ground amid trade tensions between Vietnam and the US.
According to Reuters, thousands of villagers will receive compensation based on land size and location. Elderly farmers expressed fears about finding a stable livelihood. Compensation rates range from $12 to $30 per square metre, with additional payments for uprooted plants and several months of rice supplies. A local official noted that farmland rates in the area typically do not exceed $14 per square metre.
Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said the project, which includes a 54-hole VIP golf course, luxury resorts, and a modern urban complex, would deepen ties with the US and create jobs. However, many farmers consider the compensation too low. The New York Times reported in May that the development was approved unusually fast, bypassing legally required steps such as environmental reviews.
The White House denied any conflict of interest, stating that Trump Organization business deals are separate from trade negotiations and that Donald Trump's assets are in a trust managed by his children. However, disclosures in June showed income from those sources ultimately accrues to the president. The Trump Organization is not involved in compensating farmers, according to Reuters.
