In a high-profile move that blends business with geopolitics, the Trump Organization is set to break ground on a massive $1.5 billion golf resort just outside Hanoi, Vietnam. The groundbreaking ceremony, scheduled for Wednesday, will be attended by Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of the Trump Organization and son of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
The luxury development will feature three 18-hole championship golf courses and a residential complex, all slated for completion by 2027. It marks the Trump family’s biggest investment in Vietnam to date and comes at a critical time — as Vietnam negotiates with the U.S. to avoid looming trade tariffs.
According to invitations reviewed by Reuters, Vietnam’s top political figures have also been invited to the event, including Communist Party chief To Lam, who hails from Hung Yen province where the resort will be built. It’s not confirmed whether he or Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh will attend, although state media has confirmed Chinh will be present at a ceremony in Hung Yen on the same day.
The Trump Organization’s Vietnamese partner, Kinhbac City Development, was instrumental in pushing the project forward. The collaboration was announced in October 2024 and includes plans to explore additional ventures such as a skyscraper in Ho Chi Minh City. Eric Trump is expected to meet with local officials in the southern city on Thursday to discuss those possibilities.
In an earlier statement, Eric Trump expressed enthusiasm for expanding into the Southeast Asian market:
“Vietnam has tremendous potential for luxurious hospitality and entertainment,” he said. “We are incredibly excited to enter this dynamic market.”
The venture is seen not only as a major commercial play but also as a diplomatic overture. Vietnam is currently in tense trade talks with the United States, hoping to dodge 46% reciprocal tariffs that are set to take effect in July if no agreement is reached.
To avoid the penalties, Vietnam has made a series of concessions, including lowering tariffs, tackling trade fraud, and easing market access for U.S.-based companies like Starlink, owned by Elon Musk — a close Trump ally.
The Trump Organization, now led by Eric and Donald Trump Jr., has expanded its global footprint with real estate and golf projects from Indonesia to the Middle East. However, the exact financial terms of this Vietnam partnership remain undisclosed, including the sharing of revenue and responsibilities.
What’s clear is that the Trump brand is becoming increasingly active in Asia, blending luxury development with political influence. Whether this resort will boost Vietnam’s tourism economy or serve as a bargaining chip in ongoing trade discussions with the U.S. — or both — remains to be seen.
