Trump Steaks is unfortunately no longer, Trump University had to go, and it looks like Trump Models is next.
Founded in 1999, Trump Models is (or should we say, was?), by all accounts, a successful business venture.
James Scully, casting director and industry whistle-blower, explained to the Washington Post that the agency, 'was often overshadowed by the real estate mogul's tabloid-fueled, larger-than-life image,' and although the agency never launched a new face in and of itself, stylist Freddie Leiba said, 'its legends division — which once included Jerry Hall, Veronica Webb and Karen Alexander — was well respected.'
Unfortunately, as Trump's political career revved up, people began to jump ship.
Five months ago, model Maggie Rizer left the Agency, announcing it with this Instagram post.
The caption read:
Today I had to do a hard thing parting ways with my agent at Trump Models. Corinne is a great agent and a close friend who has guided and supported me as I transitioned to becoming a working mom. That said, as a woman, a mother, an American and a human being, I cannot wake up Wednesday morning being the least bit related to the Trump brand; win or lose. I owe it to myself and to my children to proudly stand up for what I believe in and that is a world where Donald Trump has no voice for the future of our country.
Gabriel Ruas Santos-Rocha, a former manager at Trump Models, launched a new agency, whose Twitter went live on 14th March this year, called Anti Agency.
It's first Instagram post was something of a protest, with the caption reading, 'the time is now'.
The Agency's tagline is 'our clients are our models'.
The Washington Post reached out to Santos-Rocha for comment, to which he replied:
The modeling industry is undergoing massive changes...I want my models to be nurtured and treated fairly and that their talents are utilized as part of their career. I did not start an agency with the intent of taking someone out of business. Outside of that I have no comments.
Another defector from the company was a top booker Patty Sicular. She looked after the respected 'Legends' branch of the brand, and apparently took some with her to the new company she founded, Iconic Focus.
The likes of Jerry Hall, Beverly Johnson and Carmen Dell'Orefice jumped ship.
The Washington Post reports that it is still unclear how many have left, though the Trump Models website is still listing models that are known to have left, 'industry insiders say the hemorrhaging is substantial'.
Now there is news of a reported leaked email, that suggests the nail is in the coffin for the business.
According to Mother Jones the president of Trump Models,Corinne Nicolas, emailed industry colleagues explaining the closure of the brand, 'The Trump Organization is choosing to exit the modeling industry, on the heels of the recent sale of the Miss Universe Organization, the company is choosing to focus on their core businesses in the real estate, golf and hospitality space.'
'Trump Models, during its 18-year run, was an amazing success and we are immensely proud of the opportunities that we have provided to so many talented individuals.'
R.I.P Trump Models, we guess.
