Image Source: The New York Times
Tiffany Trump’s in-laws have recently found themselves in the spotlight over allegations that they swindled her brother-in-law, Jared Kushner, out of millions of dollars during a luxury yacht deal. The suspicious transaction reportedly involved Michael Boulos, Tiffany Trump’s husband, who connected his cousin, a yacht broker, to Kushner in what has since been revealed as a potentially deceitful scheme.
The Background of the Deal
When Tiffany Trump married Michael Boulos in 2022, his family became entwined with the Trump family. Not long after the marriage, Michael Boulos’ father, Massad Boulos, was appointed an advisor to the Middle East and Africa by Donald Trump, despite uncertainties surrounding his wealth and business dealings.
Although Michael Boulos expressed eagerness to blend business with family, a deal that he executed involving Kushner has raised eyebrows. The New York Times recently reported that Boulos pitched Kushner on a multi-million-dollar investment opportunity related to a luxury yacht, which ultimately led to Kushner being overcharged.
How the Deal Went Wrong
Initially, the arrangement seemed legitimate. Kushner, the former senior advisor to Donald Trump, was to purchase a luxury yacht, renovate it, and later lease or sell it for profit. However, as the deal progressed, it became clearer that Kushner was being charged significantly more than the yacht’s actual value.
By June 2021, Boulos was sending Kushner presentations to buy an unfinished yacht named Solstice, reported to cost around $15 million. However, Boulos and his cousin were allegedly spending millions less on the yacht and pocketing a considerable sum in the process. The scheme reportedly included misleading Kushner about the yacht’s actual price to avoid scrutiny or independent evaluations.
Financial Discrepancies and Consequences
As the deal progressed to its execution in early 2022, Kushner began to suspect that he was overcharged, particularly when he confronted the yacht broker about the inflated costs. Communications revealed that Boulos’ cousin made substantial commissions from the transaction, leading to tensions within the Trump and Boulos families.
According to reports, when Kushner’s lawyer appeared to delay the deal, Michael Boulos expressed his frustrations, leading to further complications in the relationship among family members. Ultimately, the yacht deal ended with Kushner becoming aware of the discrepancies surrounding the financial arrangements.
Family Relations in Business
This incident highlights the complex intertwining of family relations and business transactions within the realm of the Trump family. Critics have noted that mixing family loyalty with business could lead to conflicts of interest, especially when significant amounts of money are at stake. Boulos’ involvement was initially highlighted as a means of helping his cousin but ultimately tainted by the financial fallout.
A spokesperson for Boulos asserted that his involvement was limited to a finder’s fee, stating that he had since ended his business relationship with the yacht broker. Meanwhile, Jared Kushner’s spokesperson remarked on continuing efforts to secure a new buyer for the unfinished yacht.
Public Reaction and Implications
The public has reacted with skepticism and intrigue, given the history of the Trump family’s alleged financial practices. The incident integrates themes of family loyalty, financial ethics, and business transparency, making it a compelling story in today’s economic climate.
As more details emerge about this high-profile yacht deal, many wonder how such incidents will influence public opinion regarding family businesses and transactions in high-stakes environments like that of the Trumps.
FAQ
What happened between Tiffany Trump’s in-laws and Jared Kushner?
Tiffany Trump’s in-laws allegedly swindled Jared Kushner out of millions in a yacht deal that involved inflated pricing and undisclosed costs.
How did the yacht deal begin?
Michael Boulos, Tiffany Trump’s husband, connected Kushner with a yacht broker to arrange a luxury yacht purchase that turned out to be overvalued.
What was the family reaction to the deal?
Tensions arose within the Trump and Boulos families, particularly after Kushner suspected he was being overcharged and confronted those involved.
Are there legal implications from this deal?
While the outcome remains unclear, the situation has raised questions regarding ethics in family business dealings, which may lead to scrutiny and further investigation.
Will this affect Tiffany Trump’s public image?
Given the high-profile nature of the transaction and the surrounding scandal, it could impact Tiffany Trump’s public perception and her family’s business dealings in the long term.
