The State of New Jersey is investigating whether former President Donald Trump’s recent convictions on 34 counts of business fraud violate state laws prohibiting convicted felons from holding liquor licenses. The review focuses on the liquor licenses held by Trump’s three golf clubs in New Jersey, which Forbes was the first to report on. Despite claims from Trump’s spokesperson that he is not involved with the liquor licenses, Trump is the sole owner of the businesses listed on the licenses.
In one example, Trump National Golf Course in Bedminster is owned by Lamington Farm Club LLC, which is in turn owned by another company, LFB Acquisition LLC. Further investigation reveals that LFB Acquisition LLC is owned by DJT Holdings LLC, which is owned by the Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust. Through a complex chain of ownership, Trump is the sole beneficiary of the trust, making him ultimately responsible for the liquor licenses at his golf clubs in New Jersey and other properties across several states.
New Jersey law prohibits individuals convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude, such as dishonesty, fraud, or depravity, from holding an interest in an ABC licensee. The state’s attorney general’s office is reviewing whether Trump’s convictions meet this criteria and violate the law. The concept of being a “reputable person” is also considered when issuing or renewing a liquor license, with the agency having the authority to assess whether the applicant is “fronting” for someone else who may not be qualified to hold a license.
Spokespeople for the Trump Organization and his campaign did not respond to requests for comment on the ownership structures of the golf clubs and liquor licenses. A company spokesperson defended the properties as iconic and criticized reports of the investigation for potentially harming the livelihoods of the employees at the clubs. The attorney general’s office did not provide any updates on the inquiry, leaving the future of the liquor licenses at Trump’s golf clubs uncertain.
Despite claims that Trump is not involved with the liquor licenses, the chain of ownership for the licenses ultimately leads back to him as the sole beneficiary of the Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust. The investigation by the attorney general’s office will determine whether Trump’s convictions on business fraud violate state laws and prohibit him from holding liquor licenses at his golf clubs in New Jersey. The complex ownership structures of the licenses have raised questions about Trump’s involvement in the businesses and whether he can continue to operate them legally.
