Long before Donald Trump entered the political arena and became a household name for his controversial policies and presidency, he commanded attention for something quite different: a floating marvel that epitomized the extravagance of the 1980s. This vessel, known as the Trump Princess, was not merely a yacht; it was a symbol of opulence that captured the essence of its time.
Upon its acquisition in 1988, during the zenith of his real estate empire, the Trump Princess was one of the largest and most expensive private yachts in the world, reportedly valued at around $100 million at the time, according to various industry estimates.
A Yacht With More Than Just a Name
Interestingly, Trump did not have the yacht commissioned; instead, it was purchased from Saudi businessman Adnan Khashoggi, who had originally named it Nabila. Built in 1980 by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft in Germany, the yacht stretched over 280 feet (86 meters) and showcased interiors that were nothing short of royal.
The design boasted gold fixtures and marble finishes, along with lavish spaces for guests, making it the epitome of luxury. Trump’s acquisition strategy had him purchase the yacht for far less than its construction costs, which further allowed him to brand it as the Trump Princess, perfectly aligning with his larger-than-life persona.
A Hub of High-Flying Glamour
The Trump Princess was not content with simply drifting along the waves; it was a hotspot for celebrity and high-profile gatherings. Anchoring near major events, the yacht helped reinforce Trump’s image as a billionaire, power-broker figure during the late 1980s and early 1990s. This floating palace became a statement piece, showcasing a particular brand of American wealth that was loud, visible, and unapologetic.
Owning such a magnificent yacht propelled Trump into an elite circle of the ultra-wealthy, making him a figure synonymous with lavish lifestyles.
The Downfall of an Icon
However, as the 1990s dawned, the glamour began dimming for Trump. Faced with escalating financial troubles across his business empire, luxury assets like the Trump Princess transformed from assets into burdens. In 1991, amidst efforts to stabilize his finances, Trump made the difficult decision to sell the yacht. It changed hands several times and adopted new names, one of which was Kingdom 5KR.
Over the years, despite its storied past, the yacht struggled to maintain its prestige. It eventually succumbed to the inevitable passage of time and was sold for scrap, marking the end of an era when opulent vessels reigned supreme on the global stage. In 2020, the Trump Princess was dismantled, concluding the saga of one of the most famous private yachts linked to a future U.S. president.