R
eal estate investor Jeff Greene has lived through six Democratic and six Republican presidents, making his first fortune shorting subprime mortgages during the 2008 financial crisis. The 70-year-old billionaire has a diverse portfolio of properties in Los Angeles and South Florida, particularly in West Palm Beach.

    Greene, a registered Democrat, 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 been drawn to the Democratic Party's focus on providing opportunities for people through education, healthcare, and housing. However, he understands the Republican platform's emphasis on pro-growth policies and getting government out of the way. "Both sides have good ideas," Greene said. "Now Donald Trump is our president, and I want to get excited about the opportunity for him to bring the country together."

    Greene lives near Mar-a-Lago and was a member of the club before it became a hub for Trump's activities. On election night, traffic around the club was heavy due to security measures, but Greene sees this as a positive sign for the community.

    In terms of Florida politics, Greene notes that the state has shifted significantly since he first got involved in 2010, with more Republicans registered than Democrats. He wasn't surprised by Trump's victory in the state and acknowledges that the Republican Party has an advantage in registration numbers.

    Greene is concerned about the national debt, which he believes is a major risk to the economy. He thinks that both candidates failed to address this issue during the campaign, and that finding ways to raise revenue and cut expenses will be crucial in addressing the deficit.

    Regarding real estate, Greene sees the market as local, with West Palm Beach benefiting from global attention due to Trump's presence. However, he notes that the market is overbuilt in certain categories, such as apartments and office space.

    Greene did not get involved in this election through donations or campaigning, but he knows Trump personally and hopes that Americans will come together and work towards a brighter future under his leadership.