The Apprentice boosted Donald Trump's fortune by $427.4 million

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A bombshell New York Times report on Trump's tax avoidance reveals how the NBC reality show helped boost his earnings -- and how he managed to "escape nearly all taxes on that fortune." "The Apprentice along with the licensing and endorsement deals that flowed from his expanding celebrity, brought Mr. Trump a total of $427.4 million," says The Times, noting that Trump's Apprentice salary paid him a total of $197.3 million. The Apprentice boosted the Trump name, allowing the president to use it in real estate licensing deals around the world. "The (Trump) brand made possible the The Apprentice — and the show then took the image to another level." The Times reports Trump received 50% of The Apprentice's profits, "and he went on to buy more than 10 golf courses and multiple other properties. The losses at these properties reduced his tax bill." The Times report also notes that Trump used the $70,000 he paid to style his hair on The Apprentice for tax deduction purposes. The Apprentice also served as a lifeline for Trump, who had previously been in financial trouble. Trump has continued earning money from The Apprentice during his presidency, The Times notes, including $10 million in 2017 and $2.9 million in 2018.