The Bunker – News without the nonsense How Trump tricked the world into thinking he's a business genius
Oct 29, 2025
Russ Buettner, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist from The New York Times, delves into Donald Trump's financial saga, revealing the truth behind the 'small loan' myth that sparked his empire. He discusses how Trump's father, Fred, secretly funneled hundreds of millions through creative bookkeeping. The conversation touches on Trump's strategic bankruptcies, his mafia-like business tactics, and how his tumultuous finances foreshadowed his political behavior. Buettner also highlights the current financial red flags surrounding Trump, including troubling crypto ties.
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Myth Of The Small Loan Exposed
- Donald Trump's "small loan" story is false; his father provided millions through loans, gifts, and forgiven debts.
- Russ Buettner found tens of millions flowed from Fred Trump, including a $14m forgiveness that avoided gift taxes.
Hidden Money Channels In The Trump Family
- Fred Trump funneled money to his children through 30+ channels including shell companies and marked-up purchases.
- Donald received a large payout (~$165m) when the family real-estate empire was sold in 2004.
Contractors Squeezed And Sued
- Russ Buettner describes Trump's pattern of hiring vendors then refusing or underpaying them at project end.
- Trump routinely responded "sue me" knowing legal action would be costly and slow for claimants.
