15 August 2014 Last updated at 12:08 BST
Now he licences his name to luxury developments across the word and this week launched a tower in Mumbai - his first Indian venture.
At more than 75 storeys high and gold in colour - individual apartments will cost millions of dollars.
The tycoon tried something similar in India a few years ago - but pulled out of the deal.
He told Yogita Limaye in Mumbai why he was now so keen on India.
In the world of luxury property there are few more famous faces than Donald Trump - the multi-billionaire who built his fortune through New York real estate.