Donald Trump commenced a Tuesday night speech celebrating primary wins in Mississippi and Michigan by drawing the attention of millions of TV viewers to his various companies and services.
“I have very successful companies … I built a great, great company. I have very low debt,” Trump said before a roomful of reporters and supporters at the National Golf Club in Jupiter, Fla.
The Manhattan businessman-turned-politician likely tailored his remarks to focus on successful businesses he has overseen in light of negative coverage he received from the last debate.
Fox News moderator Megyn Kelly questioned the GOP front-runner on the legitimacy of Trump University, an American online business school. Trump was attacked for a Better Business Bureau score of “D-” and was criticized for overseeing failing organizations.
Trump, who rarely goes on the defensive, came equipped with props to press his case. At the front of the stage, he had stands showcasing a variety of Trump-owned products, including water, vodka, steak, magazines and wine.
“By the way, the winery … it’s the largest winery on the East Coast. I own it 100 percent, no mortgage, no debt,” Trump said, directing attendees toward his display of Charlottesville, Va. wines next to the stage.
Trump urged members of the press to look at his company’s records and confirm his comments that it is debt-free.
“I know the press is extremely honest so I wont offer them any, but if they want they can take a bottle of wine home,” he added, before moving on to other products.
“You have the water, you have the steaks, you have the airline that I sold, which what’s wrong with selling, every once in a while you can sell something. You have the wines and all of that and Trump University, we’re gonna start it up as soon as I win the lawsuit,” Trump said.
The billionaire’s presser-turned-informercial was also a jab at 2012 presidential GOP nominee Mitt Romney for accusations Trump oversaw unsuccessful companies.
“I think what this shows really more than anything else is that advertising is not as important, it really isn’t as important as confidence because there has never been more money spent on hitting somebody than was spent on me,” he bragged, after a couple of big wins.
