In July 1987, Donald Trump claimed Soviet officials wanted his help bringing “extreme luxury” to Moscow. He said they hoped to recreate the feeling of Trump Tower in New York, complete with the kind of lavish quality he boasted only he could provide. Invited by Intourist, the Soviet state-run travel agency, Trump toured Moscow and Leningrad to inspect possible hotel sites and was shown what he described as “very prime” locations. He suggested the project would be run as a joint venture with the Soviets, though no timeline or price was set.
At the time, several new hotels had been built by foreign companies, but Trump positioned himself as uniquely capable of delivering grandeur. He stressed that officials were impressed by Trump Tower, declaring, “They’d like to have the kind of quality we’re able to give.” Despite the publicity around his trip, no deal ever materialized—highlighting the difficulties Western developers faced entering the Soviet market in the final years of the Cold War.
“Soviets Need Me, Says Trump” Daily News — July 8, 1987 08 Jul 1987, Wed Daily News (New York, New York) Newspapers.com
