Donald Trump’s name once seemed to dominate Atlantic City. Now, he wants his name gone from the city’s skyline completely.
Trump is suing Trump Entertainment Resorts—in which he has only a 5 percent interest—to remove his name from the two Atlantic City casinos that still carry his brand.
Trump charges in his suit that the company has not properly maintained Trump Plaza and the Trump Taj Mahal and the association is hurting his name’s brand.
“I want it off both of them,” Trump told the Associated Press. “I’ve been away from Atlantic City for many years. People think we operate the company, and we don’t. It’s not us. It’s not me.”
But Trump may have an ulterior motive.
The New York Post reported Donald Trump has promised to dump his casino assets if his bid of $1 billion or more is the top bid accepted for the Buffalo Bills professional football team. Trump’s attorney, Michael Cohen did not comment on the sale of Trump’s casino shares.
According to sources, the Post reports, Trump’s bid may already be too low. His competitors are billionaire Terrance Pegula, and Jon Bon Jovi who is collaborating with a couple of Toronto team owners. Bon Jovi is expected to move the team to Toronto should his bid be accepted. The Bills would stay put if Trump or Pegula ended up owning the team.
The team was opened to bidders after the passing of owner Ralph Wilson Jr., earlier this spring. The Post learned Wilson’s estate may hold off from selling because it expected more bidders. The original deadline was July 29.
Meanwhile, Trump Plaza has announced it will close September 16 unless a buyer for the casino is found.
In his suit, Trump points to Trump Plaza’s imminent closure—and several failed quality tests at the casino—as particularly hurting his brand. The suit maintains that the two casinos fail to meet industry standards regarding hotel services, food and beverage operations and overall cleanliness.
Trump Entertainment officials have not commented on the suit.
