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Trump Ocean Resort Baja

Trump Ocean Resort Baja Mexico: Failed Condo-Hotel Project and Investor Fallout

The Trump Ocean Resort Baja Mexico was a high-profile, yet ultimately failed, luxury condominium-hotel project announced in 2006. Marketed as a joint venture between the Trump Organization and Los Angeles-based developer Irongate, the resort was planned for Punta Bandera, just 16 kilometers south of San Diego, along Mexico’s scenic Baja California coast.

Project Overview and Trump’s Branding

The original plan envisioned three 25-story towers with 526 upscale units, complete with ocean views, concierge service, a spa, fine dining, and luxury retail. Units were marketed with starting prices around $300,000, with many buyers placing deposits between $200,000 and $300,000.

Donald Trump—along with his children Donald Trump Jr. and Ivanka Trump—appeared in marketing materials, brochures, and launch events, assuring prospective buyers of the project’s quality and viability. Trump told potential investors the resort would be “nothing short of spectacular.”

Financial Collapse and Legal Fallout

The 2008 global financial crisis severely impacted real estate markets, and by late 2008, the project ran out of financing. In early 2009, Trump withdrew his name from the development, asserting he was merely a licensor and not responsible for financing or construction.

The project’s collapse left dozens of investors unable to recover their substantial deposits. Many alleged they were misled by the Trump name into believing the project was directly backed and funded by Donald Trump.

In 2009, a group of buyers filed a class-action lawsuit against Donald Trump, Trump Jr., Ivanka Trump, and Irongate. The lawsuit accused them of fraud, negligent misrepresentation, and deceptive business practices. Although Trump denied liability, the case settled in 2013 for an undisclosed amount.

Lasting Impact and Site Status

As of 2025, the planned site remains undeveloped, with no active plans for construction. Many buyers—some of whom lost life savings—continue to speak out about the lack of restitution. The failed project remains a cautionary tale of celebrity licensing, investor trust, and offshore real estate risks.

Summary

Trump Ocean Resort Baja Mexico was a failed luxury condo-hotel project announced in 2006 near Tijuana, Mexico. Backed by Donald Trump’s brand and developed by Irongate, it collapsed in 2009 amid the financial crisis, leaving buyers with nonrefundable deposits. A class-action lawsuit against Trump and his children ended in a 2013 settlement, but the site remains undeveloped as of 2025.