When President Donald Trump decided to bury his first wife Ivana Trump at the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, it certainly raised some eyebrows. It captured public attention. Not only because it was an unusual location but also because conspiracy theories were sneaking past this decision.
People even wondered if his three eldest children, Donald Trump Jr, Eric Trump and his daughter Ivanka Trump were content with this bizarre decision.
Ivana Trump was Donald Trump’s first wife. But she was so much more than that. She was a businesswoman who had the aura to stand toe to toe with her husband. She was the CEO and president of Trump’s Castle casino resort, the vice president of interior design, and the manager of the Plaza Hotel.
Ivana and Donald got divorced in 1990 and for a long time she stayed away from the limelight, all the while Donald Trump grabbed headlines after headlines. When Trump decided to run for office, Ivana showed her support for her ex-husband and finally buried the hatchet over his infidelity that led to their separation.
As the first wife of President Donald Trump and the mother of his three eldest children, Ivana was a prominent figure in both Trump’s personal history and in public life. However, her final resting place raises questions.
People have had theories regarding this burial site.
One explanation points to Trump’s desire to create a family cemetery at Bedminster. This has been a well-documented idea that he has talked about in the past. His ideas ranged from elaborate plans of grandiose to modest burial plots.
Some of these early proposals were either denied or revised. However, the central idea of Bedminster as the final resting place for the Trump family remains as it is. Considering this, Ivana’s burial could be the first phase of a lasting legacy.
Renowned for its 70 story glass curtain wall façade, Trump World Tower stands as one of the finest residential buildings in New York City. Visit link to learn more about this world-class tower: https://t.co/1kMM0m61Q5 pic.twitter.com/2DD8CENVLw
— Trump Realty (@TrumpRealty) October 25, 2019
Another theory suggests the decision reflects Trump’s signature move of merging personal milestones with business. This all may very well be just for the optics. Another example of this is the Trump Tower. The building serves as both a luxury residence and a marketing tool. Trump tower in New York is part of Trump’s brand.
Similarly, Bedminster is not merely a golf course. It’s a piece of his brand. By choosing this property as Ivana’s final resting place, Trump may be yet again reinforcing his legacy in both a personal and symbolic way. It also intertwines Ivana’s memory with the Trump empire.
Donald Trump had his 1st ex-wife Ivana Trump buried on a golf course for a tax break.#TrumpIsaConMan #TrumpIsUnfitForOffice pic.twitter.com/HtlbmcdyMe
— Shayla Sweatt (@shay_sweatt) July 28, 2024
However, there is one most controversial opinion. New Jersey state law dictates that land dedicated to cemetery use can qualify for considerable tax exemptions.
Many critics argue that even a single grave might qualify a portion of the property as a cemetery. This argument has opened the door for Donald Trump to gain the benefits of partial tax exemption, reports nymag.com.
There is no direct evidence that this was a motivating factor. However, given how Donald Trump works and how he has pulled all the tricks in the book to save taxes, it could very well be the only reason.
Aside from the motive of choosing the golf course as the Ivana burial site, it is also the burial site in itself that raises questions.
Ivana Trump’s burial plot is on a seemingly deserted lot on Trump’s golf course 😳 pic.twitter.com/Sw98o1HULV
— Will LeGate (@williamlegate) July 29, 2022
The grave itself is bathed in simplicity. There is only a small plaque on her gravestone that has her name, her date of birth, and the date of her demise. There is no elaborate garden, a marble statue, or anything as exuberant as Donald Trump is known for.
There is no glamor in it.
One is left to ask if this was Ivana’s own wish for her memory after her tragic death.
The decision could be driven by sentiment, symbolism, or tax strategy, or some combination of all three. Yet, it ensures that Ivana Trump’s memory will remain linked to one of Donald Trump’s most iconic properties.
