CONFLICT OF INTEREST/ETHICS/TRUMP BUSINESS: “Promotional materials for the Trump Tower in Mumbai improperly featured a reference to President Donald Trump, showing how difficult it is to separate the president from a brand whose value is based on his name.
A public-relations campaign for the 75-story condominium tower—set to be completed in less than two years and still 40% unsold—boasted breathtaking views, luxury appointments, and a connection to ‘U.S.-based real estate tycoon, celebrity & POTUS Donald Trump.’ The materials—a promotional email featuring an 80-page brochure—contained a picture of a younger Mr. Trump.
After being contacted last week by The Wall Street Journal, the Trump Organization and an Indian development firm marketing the project said the materials had been sent out by a broker without their authorization, and won’t be used again.
The Mumbai episode points to complications in the Trump Organization’s control of outside parties involved in selling and marketing his brand, even after Mr. Trump’s November move to stop running his business and turn over its management to his adult sons.
His company has made some efforts not to market Mr. Trump directly, such as pulling his image off webpages connected to his golf courses and other properties.”
-Michael Rothfeld and Alexandra Berzon, “Pitch for Trump Tower Mumbai Plays Up Connection to Donald Trump,” The Wall Street Journal online, July 26, 2017 06:39am