Fact Check: Trump has filed for bankruptcy 6 times

The Claim: "Trump has filed for bankruptcy 6 times"

Introduction

The claim that Donald Trump has filed for bankruptcy six times has been a topic of discussion, particularly during his presidential campaigns. This assertion raises questions about the nature of his business dealings and financial management. However, the specifics of these bankruptcies, including their timing and context, are often debated. This article will explore the claim, examining the evidence and sources that support or contradict it.

What We Know

Bankruptcy Filings: Donald Trump has indeed filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection six times through various companies he owned. The filings occurred in the following years:
- Trump Taj Mahal Associates (1991)
- Trump Plaza Hotel (1992)
- Trump Hotels and Casino Resorts (2004)
- Trump Entertainment Resorts (2004)
- Trump International Hotel and Tower (1992)
- Trump Hotels and Casino Resorts (1991) 1 4 6 10.
Nature of Bankruptcies: These bankruptcies primarily involved his casino and hotel properties, which faced significant financial challenges during economic downturns, particularly in the early 1990s and the early 2000s 4 5.
Impact of Economic Conditions: The bankruptcies coincided with broader economic issues, including the recession in Atlantic City and the Gulf War, which adversely affected the gambling industry 4 5.
Reorganization vs. Personal Bankruptcy: It is important to note that these filings were corporate bankruptcies, not personal bankruptcies. Trump himself has not declared personal bankruptcy 6 8.

Analysis

The claim that Trump has filed for bankruptcy six times is supported by multiple sources, but the reliability and context of these sources vary.

Source Reliability:
- PolitiFact and Washington Post are generally considered credible fact-checking organizations, known for their rigorous standards in verifying claims. Both sources confirm the six bankruptcy filings and provide context regarding their nature and timing 1 10.
- Wikipedia is a useful starting point for information but should be approached with caution due to its open-edit nature, which can lead to inaccuracies 3.
- ThoughtCo and MoneyDigest provide detailed breakdowns of the bankruptcies, but their reliability can be questioned as they may not have the same level of editorial oversight as major news outlets 4 5.
Bias and Conflicts of Interest: Some sources may have inherent biases based on their political affiliations or the context in which they present the information. For instance, articles from politically motivated sites may emphasize the negative aspects of Trump’s business dealings to align with their narratives 6 10.
Methodology: The methodology used to count the bankruptcies can vary. Some sources may include only the most significant filings, while others may count all corporate reorganizations. This discrepancy can lead to confusion about the total number of bankruptcies 2 9.
Contradicting Views: Some sources argue that Trump has only filed for bankruptcy four times, focusing on the most notable cases and excluding certain reorganizations 2 9. This highlights the need for clarity in how bankruptcy filings are categorized and reported.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

The claim that Donald Trump has filed for bankruptcy six times is substantiated by credible sources, including major fact-checking organizations like PolitiFact and the Washington Post. The evidence indicates that these filings were primarily corporate bankruptcies related to his casino and hotel businesses, which faced significant financial difficulties during economic downturns.

However, it is essential to recognize that these were corporate reorganizations and not personal bankruptcies, as Trump himself has not declared personal bankruptcy. The context of these filings, including the economic conditions at the time, adds nuance to the understanding of Trump's financial history.

Despite the strong evidence supporting the claim, there are limitations in the available information. Some sources may present differing counts of the bankruptcies based on their criteria for inclusion, leading to potential confusion. Additionally, biases in reporting can affect how this information is interpreted.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider the context and sources behind claims, particularly in politically charged discussions.