Financial stratagem, delayed retribution, Donald Trump's imprudent burial scheme.
Ivana Trump, the former wife of US President Donald Trump, was laid to rest on July 14, 2022, on Donald Trump's golf course in New Jersey. The grave of Ivana Trump bears the inscription "Ivana Trump - February 20, 1949 - July 14, 2022".
The burial site, located near the first hole of the Bedminster golf course, has sparked speculation about the reasons behind this choice. While some may view it as a personal preference, multiple sources suggest there could be strategic reasons related to tax benefits.
Under New Jersey law, land dedicated to cemetery purposes is exempt from real estate taxes, rates, and assessments. By burying Ivana on the golf course, Trump could potentially designate that part of the property as cemetery land, which might allow the entire golf course—or at least a significant portion of it—to gain tax-exempt status through a legal loophole. This could result in millions of dollars saved in taxes on that valuable property[1][2][4][5].
Trump has denied that tax considerations influenced the decision, stating his desire to be buried on the Bedminster property, which he considers very beautiful and among the richest areas in the country[1]. Additionally, the Trump Family Trust had previously attempted to establish a nonprofit cemetery organization on nearby land, supporting the theory of a tax strategy linked to cemetery status[1].
Ivana Trump's grave is reported to be in a private, somewhat overgrown area of the golf course, indicating a low-profile burial spot. Donald Trump and Ivana divorced in 1992 after 15 years of marriage but maintained a family connection through their children[3].
In summary, the circumstances of Ivana Trump’s burial on the golf course combine personal preferences for the site with a likely financial and legal strategy to gain tax advantages under state law. The potential tax savings could be significant, amounting to millions of dollars[1][2][4][5]. However, it is important to note that these speculations are based on interpretations of the law and have not been confirmed by official statements from the Trump family or their representatives.
[1] CNN, "Trump's Bedminster golf course could see millions in tax savings if Ivana Trump is buried there", July 15, 2022, https://www.cnn.com/2022/07/15/politics/ivana-trump-burial-tax-benefits/index.html
[2] NBC News, "Ivana Trump buried on Donald Trump's golf course in New Jersey", July 15, 2022, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/ivana-trump-buried-donald-trump-s-golf-course-new-jersey-n1278085
[3] The New York Times, "Ivana Trump, Ex-Wife of Donald Trump, Dies at 73", July 14, 2022, https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/14/us/politics/ivana-trump-dead.html
[4] The Washington Post, "Ivana Trump, ex-wife of former President Donald Trump, dies at 73", July 14, 2022, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/07/14/ivana-trump-dead/
[5] Bloomberg, "Ivana Trump Is Buried on Donald Trump's Golf Course", July 15, 2022, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-07-15/ivana-trump-is-buried-on-donald-trump-s-golf-course
The burial of Ivana Trump on the golf course, a property owned by her ex-husband Donald Trump, has sparked speculation about potential tax benefits. Speculations suggest that by designating part of the golf course as cemetery land, significant tax savings could be achieved.
Multiple media outlets reported that the Trump Family Trust had previously attempted to establish a nonprofit cemetery organization on nearby land, further fueling tax strategy theories linked to cemetery status.
