One of the most unusual and widely discussed conspiracy theories involving Donald Trump revolves around the burial of his ex-wife, Ivana Trump, at his golf course in Bedminster, New Jersey. The couple, married from 1977 to 1990, had three children: Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric. Despite their past, many expected Ivana’s burial site to reflect her prominence and social status.
However, her grave’s location at Trump National Golf Club sparked public curiosity and skepticism. Photos taken in 2023 showed the site to be overgrown and poorly maintained, which many felt clashed with the grandeur of her funeral and her life. Ivana had been laid to rest in a gold casket following a formal ceremony at St. Vincent Ferrer Church in Manhattan, where Melania Trump was also present.
The striking contrast between the lavish funeral and the modest, seemingly neglected grave led to speculation about Trump’s motivations. It was revealed that Trump had previously attempted to convert the golf course into a cemetery in 2014, originally proposing a large-scale plan that was denied.
A smaller plan was eventually approved, allowing up to ten burials on the property. Ivana became the first—and so far, only—person known to be buried there. This development led some to suspect that the burial might serve a broader purpose, potentially extending beyond family legacy.
Dartmouth sociology professor Brooke Harrington examined New Jersey’s tax code and suggested that classifying the land as a cemetery could provide Trump with significant tax benefits. These could include reduced property, income, and sales taxes.
Harrington also criticized the condition of the grave, calling it “little more than a pauper’s grave,” and implying that it may have been designed with strategic financial motives rather than dignity in mind.
Despite the theory’s popularity, Newsweek noted that the tax benefits might not be as substantial as speculated and could be difficult to claim. The complexity of tax law and burial regulations could outweigh any savings.
Still, Ivana’s final resting place continues to draw attention, raising questions about whether it’s a genuine tribute, a legal maneuver, or a blend of both—adding yet another layer to Trump’s legacy.
