Trump Models, the modeling agency that President Trump founded in 1999, is closing.
A Trump Organization spokesperson told the New York Post Friday evening: “On the heels of the recent sale of the Miss Universe Organization, the Trump Organization is choosing to exit the modeling industry.”
Business Insider: 2 models who worked for Trump’s controversial agency tell what it was like for them
“While we enjoyed many years of success, we are focused on our core businesses in the real estate and golf industries and the rapid expansion of our hospitality division.”
Business Insider: Trump’s controversial modeling agency is reportedly imploding
The news of the closure comes soon after more lengthy reports that the agency had been struggling. Sources within the modeling industry had told Mother Jones that Trump Model employees were “scrambling to get out,” and earlier this month, a former manager at the agency left to create his own.
Business Insider: The 19 highest-paid models in the world
Earlier this year, Business Insider interviewed two former Trump models. They spoke candidly about their experiences working with the agency, saying that they were told to lie about their professions to customs agents. One of the two models said she was left in debt to the agency.
Business Insider: Here are all the companies that have cut ties with the Trump family
The agency was founded by Trump in 1999, and according to his most recent financial disclosures, he owned an 85% stake in the company.
Business Insider: How Gigi Hadid became the world’s hottest fashion model
This article originally appeared on businessinsider.com.
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Why Trump’s Message Worked on Latino Men
- What Trump’s Win Could Mean for Housing
- The 100 Must-Read Books of 2024
- Sleep Doctors Share the 1 Tip That’s Changed Their Lives
- Column: Let’s Bring Back Romance
- What It’s Like to Have Long COVID As a Kid
- FX’s Say Nothing Is the Must-Watch Political Thriller of 2024
- Merle Bombardieri Is Helping People Make the Baby Decision
Contact us at letters@time.com