In the heated arena of the U.S. presidential race, Vice President Kamala Harris has been making waves with her pointed critiques of former President Donald Trump’s business history. During a rally in Charlotte, North Carolina, on September 12, Harris unveiled her proposal for a $50,000 tax deduction aimed at small business startups. She then took a direct jab at Trump, asserting, “You know, not everybody started out with $400m on a silver platter and then filed for bankruptcy six times.”
Harris’s remarks have sparked a flurry of fact-checking, with many turning to a recent article from Al Jazeera that delves into the veracity of these claims. The article references a comprehensive 2018 analysis by The New York Times, revealing that Trump did indeed receive approximately $413 million from his father, Fred Trump, over his lifetime. However, this sum was not a single lump sum at the start of his career but rather dispersed over many years.
During a recent debate, Trump countered Harris’s claims, stating, “I wasn’t given $400m. I wish I was. My father was a Brooklyn builder. Brooklyn, Queens. And a great father, and I learned a lot from him. But I was given a fraction of that, a tiny fraction, and I built it into many, many billions of dollars.” The debate further intensified when Harris reiterated her points in a conversation hosted by Oprah Winfrey.
The Al Jazeera article also examines the claim of Trump’s six bankruptcies, confirming its accuracy. Trump’s financial struggles included high-profile bankruptcies such as the Trump Taj Mahal casino in 1991 and Trump Entertainment Resorts in 2009, among others. Experts have noted that while Trump did experience these financial setbacks, they are not uncommon in the business world.
Our Ruling
While Harris’s statement about Trump’s business beginnings contains elements of truth, it omits significant details. The New York Times investigation clarifies that Trump did not start his business career with $400 million readily available. Instead, he had the prospect of inheriting a portion of his father’s substantial real estate empire. This nuanced reality leads us to rate Harris’s statement as Half True.
Conclusion
As the presidential race progresses, the scrutiny of candidates’ claims remains crucial. Harris’s comments highlight the ongoing debate about wealth and privilege in America, while Trump’s rebuttal underscores the complexities of his business legacy. The full story, as always, is layered and multifaceted.
More Articles
Getting licensed or staying ahead in your career can be a journey—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Grab your favorite coffee or tea, take a moment to relax, and browse through our articles. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your expertise, we’ve got tips, insights, and advice to keep you moving forward. Here’s to your success—one sip and one step at a time!
The average life insurance premium in 2026 sits at about 26 dollars per month for a healthy 40-year-old seeking a 20-year, 500,000 dollar term policy, according to recent industry data. Rates continue to be influenced by factors like age, health, and risk class, while certain personal details—such as marital status or number of beneficiaries—have no impact on pricing. With term, whole life, and no-exam options showing wide cost differences, professionals in real estate, insurance, mortgage, and finance can benefit from understanding how underwriting works. This knowledge not only helps with personal financial planning but also supports advising clients effectively in these interconnected industries.
AI is becoming a powerful partner for real estate agents, helping automate repetitive tasks like lead responses, follow ups, marketing content, and paperwork so you can focus on clients and closing deals. From 24/7 chat assistants to AI enhanced visuals and predictive analytics, agents using these tools are gaining a competitive edge without needing technical skills.
Florida’s housing market continues to outpace national growth, with several cities experiencing sharp jumps in home values driven by high demand and limited inventory. New data from Zillow highlights where price acceleration is strongest—from luxury enclaves like Golden Beach and Lake Buena Vista to more affordable markets such as Old Town. For real estate professionals, these insights spotlight emerging opportunities, shifting buyer behavior, and areas of rising investment interest across the state.
Baltimore is moving to close key loopholes in its rental licensing system after thousands of unlicensed and unsafe units came to light. A new city proposal would strengthen enforcement, increase audits, and protect tenants from negligent landlords. With nearly half of rentals still unlicensed, the reform highlights why compliance and ethical property management remain essential across the real estate industry.
Florida lawmakers have taken a major step toward helping homeowners understand rising insurance costs. The Florida House voted 114-0 to approve HB 767, a bill that would require insurers to publicly share more of the data behind their rate increases. While the bill doesn’t limit premiums, it aims to give consumers, real estate professionals, and analysts clearer insight into how insurance companies set their prices as it now heads to the Senate for consideration.
A rising public‑radio journalist walked away from the career she worked years to build after a spontaneous trip to Spain made her question what she truly wanted from life. Trading stability for a teaching visa and a slower pace in Seville, she faced financial uncertainty, culture shocks, and doubts about her future—yet also gained safety, freedom, and a renewed sense of self. Her journey is a reminder that major career shifts, whether abroad or at home, can open the door to unexpected possibilities.
