Vietnam farmers losing land to $1.5 billion Trump golf course reportedly offered rice and cash

Villagers told Reuters they had been offered between $12 and $30 per square metre of farmland, along with rice supplies for several months and extra payments for uprooted crops. One local official told the news agency that farmland in the area usually sold for no more than $14 per square metre.

“All land belongs to the state in Vietnam, and can be taken back by the authorities,” as per Reuters report. Farmers are granted small plots for long-term use under the system.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said the golf course would “play an important role” in strengthening ties with the US and create jobs. He said villagers “will be reimbursed” for their land.

The Trump Organisation is not involved in deciding or paying the compensation, according to Reuters.

The New York Times reported in May that the development was approved unusually quickly and began construction without completing several required steps, such as environmental reviews.

The White House has denied any conflict of interest, saying Trump’s business activities are separate from trade talks and that his assets are held in a trust run by his children. Financial disclosures in June showed that income from the projects ultimately goes to the president.

Vietnam agreed the deal while negotiating with the US to reduce a planned 46 per cent tariff on its exports. The rate has since been lowered to 20 per cent for many goods.