Trump’s New Jersey Golf Clubs Can Keep Selling Alcohol—For Now—Despite President’s Felony Conviction. Here’s Why
Key Facts
A Manhattan jury found Trump guilty in May 2024 on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records tied to a hush-money payment to Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign, each punishable by up to four years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
New Jersey law prohibits individuals convicted of crimes “involving moral turpitude”—a category that includes “dishonesty, fraud or depravity” severe enough to typically be punishable by more than a year in prison—from holding a liquor license, according to a state handbook, first reported by Forbes in June 2024.
After the verdict, the state’s Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) declined to renew liquor licenses at his clubs in Bedminster and Colts Neck, instead issuing 90-day temporary permits and scheduling a heading for after his sentencing.
Trump’s sentencing was delayed, and the ABC hearing postponed, after a July 2024 Supreme Court decision expanded presidential immunity.
After Trump was formally convicted in January 2025 and granted an “unconditional discharge,” New Jersey extended the temporary permits; they were set to expire Wednesday but were extended again until June 30, a spokesperson for the New Jersey attorney general, Allison Inserro, told Forbes.
The loss of his liquor licenses is one of the few concrete penalties Trump could face as a result of his felony conviction.
Crucial Quote
“We fully expect that the liquor permits will be extended and there will be no interruption of service to our valued members and guests,” a spokesperson for the Trump Organization told Forbes.
Contra
The Trump Organization argues that because Trump isn’t the holder, officer or director of any entity with a liquor license in New Jersey—or anywhere else in the United States, the conviction should have no bearing, according to a statement a spokesperson for the Trump Organization provided to media outlets after Forbes’ initial report.
Key Background
Court records and Trump’s financial disclosures show is the sole owner of the two clubs through a series of LLCs held by a revocable trust, for which he is the sole beneficiary and sole provider of assets. In 2024, New Jersey regulators concluded he holds a “direct beneficial interest” in the clubs’ liquor licenses, based on his receipt of profits, refuting Trump’s above argument. Other states, however, reached different conclusions. A spokesperson for California’s alcohol regulator, for example, previously told Forbes that because Trump transferred the license for his Los Angeles-area club to Don Jr. in 2017, he is no longer considered part of the license—even though he remains the sole beneficiary of the business that holds it.
Big Number
$53,561,915: That’s the income Trump reported from his Bedminster and Colts Neck golf clubs on his August 2024 financial disclosure, covering around a 16-month period.
Why Hasn’t New Jersey Made A Final Decision?
New Jersey’s Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control has not publicly explained the delay.
What We Don’t Know
Whether New Jersey will make a final ruling by June 30—or extend Trump’s temporary liquor permits again.
Surprising Fact
New Jersey renewed the liquor license for a third Trump club last year—despite not renewing the other two—though the club holds a different category of license.
Tangent
Golf markers featuring the presidential seal have appeared at five Trump courses—a potential violation of federal law barring its use for commercial purposes.
Forbes Valuation
Forbes estimates Donald Trump is worth about $5.1 billion, with Trump Media shares making up the bulk of his fortune.
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