Last Updated:August 08, 2025, 12:34 IST
Under New Jersey state tax code, any land that is dedicated to cemetery purposes is exempt from all taxes, rates and assessments.
Ivana Trump died at age 73 from injuries sustained in a fall at her home. (Photo Source: Instagram)
When Ivana Trump passed away in 2022, she was buried not in a cemetery but near the first hole at Donald Trump’s Bedminster golf course in New Jersey. While this may seem like a personal choice, a recent post on Instagram suggests there was more than just grief involved.
The post by Awareness Of Success claims a possible tax reason behind this unusual burial spot. “WHY DID DONALD TRUMP BURY HIS EX-WIFE ON A GOLF COURSE? It wasn’t just grief. It was a strategy,” it stated.
Under New Jersey state tax code, any land that is dedicated to cemetery purposes is exempt from all taxes, rates and assessments. Cemetery companies are also specifically exempt from paying real estate taxes, personal property taxes, business taxes, sales taxes, income taxes and inheritance taxes on their land.
‘No Property Tax, No Sales Tax, No Income Tax’
The post mentioned how even a single grave on land can legally convert that land into a tax-exempt cemetery.
“No property tax. No sales tax. No income tax. All it takes is one grave…And the land becomes sacred ground,” the post continued.
‘Trump Quietly Registered The Land As A Nonprofit Cemetery Company’
To take advantage of New Jersey’s cemetery tax exemptions, Trump registered the golf course land as a nonprofit cemetery company, the post claimed. This move transforms the land’s status, which potentially makes the entire property tax-exempt.
“Trump quietly registered the land as a nonprofit cemetery company. Just one grave… And the entire golf course became tax-exempt. Millions potentially saved in taxes. 150 feet from the clubhouse. The first hole now sits beside a legal loophole,” it pointed out.
In the New Jersey Law Revision Commission, a “cemetery company” is defined as “a person, corporation, association or other entity that owns or operates a cemetery, but does not include a religious organization that owns a cemetery which restricts burials to members of that religion or their families unless the organization has obtained a certificate of authority for the cemetery.”
The unusual choice of burying Ivana on the golf course has sparked mixed reactions. Some see it as a “cold” move, others admire the cleverness behind it, calling it “genius.”
The Instagram post sums it up as a lesson on how the wealthy use little-known laws: “This isn’t just about one grave. It’s a lesson in how the wealthy use laws most people don’t even know exist. It’s not always illegal. But it’s rarely ethical.”
Changing Plans
Reports from ProPublica also revealed that the Trump Family Trust had sought to designate a property in Hackettstown, New Jersey, as a nonprofit cemetery company, even though this location is about 20 miles from the golf course.
Over time, Trump’s vision for the golf course cemetery evolved as well. In 2012, NPR reported that Trump first planned to build a mausoleum for himself on the golf course. Over the years, his ideas changed. At one point, he suggested creating a cemetery with more than 1,000 graves. Then, in 2017, The Washington Post reported that he proposed a smaller, private family cemetery with 10 plots. Later, plans were made for a larger cemetery with 284 graves available for sale.
Ivana Trump’s Death And Burial
Ivana died at age 73 from injuries sustained in a fall at her Manhattan home. Unlike many high-profile figures, her grave at the Bedminster golf course has no fence or public memorial, just a simple headstone beside the first hole. She is currently the only person buried there.
Buzz Staff
A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on what’s creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture.
A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on what’s creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture.
News18’s viral page features trending stories, videos, and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!view commentsNews viral Cold Or Genius? ‘Secret’ Behind Donald Trump Burying Ex-Wife On Golf Course. Bonus — A Tax TipDisclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
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