After Donald Trump was having financial problems in 1988, which billionaire TV executive and former talk show bought the Don's Resorts International?

In 1988, facing mounting financial pressures and the ballooning costs of his ambitious Taj Mahal casino project, Donald Trump found himself in a complex situation regarding Resorts International, a hotel and casino company he had gained control of the previous year. The company was struggling to finance the completion of the Taj Mahal, and Trump had initially made an offer to take the company private. This period marked a challenging time for Trump's ventures in Atlantic City.

It was at this juncture that Merv Griffin, a prominent television executive and former talk show host, stepped in with a competing bid for Resorts International. Griffin was already a highly successful media mogul, widely known for creating and producing hugely popular game shows like "Jeopardy!" and "Wheel of Fortune," which had built him a significant fortune and a formidable business empire. His unexpected entry sparked a highly publicized takeover battle between the two prominent businessmen.

Ultimately, a settlement was reached in November 1988. Griffin acquired Resorts International for $365 million, while Trump, in turn, bought back the still-under-construction Taj Mahal from the company for $273 million. This complex agreement allowed Griffin to take control of Resorts' existing properties, including the Resorts International Casino Hotel in Atlantic City and its Paradise (Review) Island operations, further diversifying his already vast holdings which included other hotels. The deal was a significant moment, showcasing Griffin's business prowess beyond the entertainment industry.