Recently released personal financial disclosures of former US President Donald Trump revealed that he earned over $1 billion after leaving office. The majority of these earnings came from the sale of the Trump International Hotel in Washington, partnerships with Hudson Waterfront Associates, and his Miami golf resort, totaling approximately $642 million.
Trump also earned a significant amount from speaking engagements, with the biggest payout coming from Triller’s 2021 boxing event. Triller Fight Club faced criticism for rule-skirting and a mismatched fight, where Vitor Belfort knocked out Evander Holyfield. Trump served as a color commentator for the event and was reportedly paid an “obscene” amount, which was later revealed to be $2.5 million according to the financial disclosures.
Triller defended the payment, stating that it was consistent with fees received by celebrity commentators and highlighted Trump’s successful hosting of previous boxing events. However, the Triller event itself performed poorly on pay-per-view, generating only 150,000 buys and resulting in financial losses for the company.
Despite the event’s shortcomings, Trump’s ties to combat sports, including his attendance at UFC 290 and support from UFC President Dana White, have been seen as advantageous for his potential 2024 presidential bid. Being involved in non-traditional media and cultural events like UFC fights allows Trump to reach a different audience beyond traditional political media platforms, according to a Republican strategist.
As Trump leads the polls for the 2024 Republican Presidential nomination, his connections with the combat sports world may play a role in his political strategy moving forward.