Trump's foreign real estate licensing business has grown to $59.5 million, with the bulk of the fees coming from two Gulf developers based in the UAE and Qatar, according to CNBC.
Key facts
- Trump's foreign licensing business reached $59.5 million, according to CNBC.
- Nearly two-thirds of the foreign licensing fees came from two Gulf developers.
- The developers are based in the UAE and Qatar.
- One of the developers is pursuing a $20 billion U.S. expansion.
Trump’s foreign real estate licensing business has grown to $59.5 million, according to a report published by CNBC on August 10, 2026. The figure reflects income generated from licensing deals tied to properties outside the United States.
According to CNBC, nearly two-thirds of the foreign licensing fees came from just two developers, both based in the Gulf region. One of the developers is located in the United Arab Emirates and the other in Qatar.
The concentration of income from a small number of foreign partners is a notable feature of the reported figures, with the two Gulf developers accounting for the majority of the licensing revenue described in the CNBC report.
CNBC reported that one of the two developers is pursuing a $20 billion U.S. expansion, linking the foreign licensing relationships to potential activity within the United States.
The report highlights the international dimensions of Trump’s business interests, particularly the reliance on developers in the UAE and Qatar for a significant share of foreign licensing income.
Why it matters
The concentration of a large share of Trump's foreign licensing income among two Gulf developers raises questions about the intersection of business interests and politics. With one developer reportedly pursuing a major U.S. expansion, the arrangements draw attention to foreign financial ties connected to a prominent political figure.
Frequently asked questions
How much has Trump's foreign licensing business grown to?
According to CNBC, Trump's foreign licensing business has reached $59.5 million.
Where are the main developers based?
The two Gulf developers providing nearly two-thirds of the foreign licensing fees are based in the UAE and Qatar, according to CNBC.
Is any developer expanding in the U.S.?
CNBC reported that one of the two developers is pursuing a $20 billion U.S. expansion.