BREAKING: A top Gold Coast builder has walked away from the Trump Tower project, which meant the proposed Trump Tower development on the Gold Coast is…

Gold Coast, Australia – A major setback has hit the ambitious plan for a Trump-branded skyscraper on Queensland’s Gold Coast, as a key high-rise construction expert has withdrawn from the project.

According to reports, a seasoned local builder – who held a critical role including a Queensland builder’s licence essential for the development – resigned as a director last week and stepped away entirely. The move leaves developer Altus Property Group, led by David Young, without a vital construction partner for the proposed Trump International Hotel & Tower in Surfers Paradise.

The 91-storey tower, announced in February 2026 as a $1.5 billion luxury development featuring a six-star hotel, 270+ apartments, retail spaces, and a beach club, was touted as potentially Australia’s tallest building at around 340 metres. The Trump Organization signed a licensing deal with Altus, with construction initially slated to begin later in the year.

However, the project’s future was already clouded by community opposition – including petitions with tens of thousands of signatures – scrutiny over Young’s past bankruptcies and business collapses, and the lack of formal council approval.

Industry sources suggest the builder’s departure, combined with rumours of a potential site sale, significantly increases doubts about whether the mega-project will proceed. No official statement has been released by Altus Property Group or the Trump Organization regarding next steps.

Local observers note this adds to a pattern of challenges for high-profile developments on the site, raising fresh uncertainty for what was billed as a major boost to the Gold Coast’s skyline and economy.

Further updates are expected as more details emerge.