Trump’s Liquor Licenses Under Scrutiny: What’s at Stake for His New Jersey Golf Clubs?
In a surprising legal and financial development, former U.S. President Donald Trump’s New Jersey golf clubs are under scrutiny over their liquor licenses following his 2024 conviction on 34 felony counts. This situation, unfolding since May 2024, highlights the intersection of law, politics, and business, with significant implications for Trump’s properties and reputation.
At the center of the issue is New Jersey’s strict liquor license law, which bars individuals convicted of crimes involving “moral turpitude”—such as dishonesty or fraud—from holding such licenses. Trump’s conviction for falsifying business records related to hush-money payments during the 2016 presidential campaign falls squarely into this category. This has put the liquor licenses for his Bedminster and Colts Neck golf clubs at risk.
The New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) has taken a cautious approach. Instead of renewing the licenses outright, the agency granted the clubs 90-day interim permits, allowing them to continue operating while the legal process unfolds. However, the situation has been complicated by delays, including a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in July 2024 that expanded presidential immunity. Trump was formally convicted in January 2025, but the judge granted him an “unconditional discharge” following his re-election, sparing him from punishment.
As of March 2025, the clubs are still operating under temporary licenses, extended until April 30. The New Jersey ABC has yet to make a final decision, leaving the future of these high-profile properties uncertain. Allison Inserro, a spokesperson for the New Jersey Attorney General’s office, has provided updates, but the lack of clarity has left many wondering what’s next.
The stakes are high for Trump, who is the sole owner of both clubs. The liquor licenses are held by a revocable trust of which he is the sole beneficiary, and the clubs have been lucrative, generating $53.6 million in income over 16 months, according to Trump’s August 2024 financial disclosure. Losing the licenses could have a significant financial impact, not to mention the reputational damage.
This isn’t the first time Trump’s properties have faced legal challenges. The Colts Neck club, for instance, paid a $400,000 fine after a 2005 fatal car crash involving an intoxicated customer. The club was charged with serving alcohol to an intoxicated person and exceeding the scope of its liquor license. These past incidents add another layer of complexity to the current situation.
Adding to the intrigue is the revelation that the presidential seal has appeared on golf markers at five Trump golf courses. This could potentially violate federal law, which prohibits the commercial use of the seal. It’s just one more detail in a story that seems to grow more complicated by the day.
As the April 30 deadline approaches, all eyes are on the New Jersey ABC. Will they revoke the licenses, or will Trump’s legal team find a way to keep them intact? Whatever the outcome, this saga is a reminder of how closely intertwined Trump’s business and political lives remain, even years after his presidency.
For now, the clubs continue to operate, serving patrons and hosting events under temporary permits. But the clock is ticking, and the final decision could have far-reaching consequences for Trump’s empire. Stay tuned as this story unfolds.
