R
eal estate investor Jeff Greene has lived through six Democratic and six Republican presidents. The 70-year-old billionaire made his fortune shorting subprime mortgages during the 2008 financial crisis before expanding into real estate. His holdings include apartment complexes, offices, and retail properties in Los Angeles and South Florida.

    Greene is a registered Democrat who did not support Donald Trump's re-election bid but has a connection to him: he lives next door to Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, and was once a member of the club. Greene spoke to Forbes from his Palm Beach home about his reaction to the election results and why he's optimistic about the U.S. economy under a second Trump administration.

    Greene has always leaned Democratic due to his belief that the party is more focused on providing opportunities for people through education, healthcare, and housing. However, he also understands Republican ideas behind pro-growth policies and getting government out of the way. He thinks both sides have good ideas and wants to see Trump bring the country together.

    On election night, Greene experienced traffic congestion near Mar-a-Lago due to extensive security searches. Despite this, he's optimistic about the impact of Trump's presidency on his community and the country. In Florida, Greene wasn't surprised by the state's results, given the Republican registration advantage. He was, however, disappointed that neither candidate discussed the national debt issue.

    Greene is concerned about the U.S. deficit and national debt, which he believes could lead to a financial crisis if left unchecked. He thinks Trump's plans might affect this issue, particularly with regards to tariffs and spending cuts. However, he also sees potential benefits from reduced regulation and a growing economy.

    In terms of real estate, Greene is optimistic about the outlook for West Palm Beach, where he has significant holdings. He believes that global attention on the area due to Trump's presence will be beneficial for the local market. Overall, Greene is hopeful about the next few years, despite some challenges, and thinks Americans should focus on the country's many positive aspects.