Australian Developer Scraps Trump Hotel Plan Citing 'Toxic' Brand

Plans for a $1.1 billion, 91-storey Trump hotel and apartment tower on Australia's Gold Coast have been cancelled. Altus Property Group, the Australian developer behind the project, stated that the decision was driven by the Trump brand becoming 'toxic to Australians.' David Young, CEO of Altus Property Group, explained that while he holds no personal animosity toward the Trump family, the brand's reputation has deteriorated significantly, particularly following the onset of recent conflicts. Young indicated that the development will proceed with a different luxury brand partner. This announcement follows reports that the Trump Organization had withdrawn from the deal, citing unfulfilled obligations by the licensing partner. The project faced substantial public opposition, evidenced by an online petition against the tower that garnered over 124,000 signatures. The petition criticized former US President Donald Trump's perceived contempt for democratic norms. Although the Trump Organization is currently managed by Donald Trump's adult sons, the political associations of the brand proved detrimental to the venture in the Australian market.