A new biography of William "Big Billy" D'Elia, former head of the Buffalino Crime Family, unveils surprising interactions with Donald Trump during his casino-owning days in Atlantic City. D'Elia alleges Trump's involvement in unorthodox business practices, including a coin flip to settle a million-dollar real estate deal.
D'Elia, who led the Pennsylvania-based crime family after Russell Buffalino's death, claims Trump's personality matched his public image – "arrogant" and unreliable. The book, "The Life We Chose," authored by Matt Birkbeck, details D'Elia's dealings with Trump, suggesting Trump knowingly conducted business with organized crime figures.
Donald Trump portrait on 5th Avenue outside of Trump Tower. NYC 1987 (Getty Images)
One alleged negotiation involved Trump pressuring D'Elia to purchase thousands of copies of "The Art of the Deal" to boost its bestseller status, potentially costing D'Elia $100,000. Another incident involved a property deal for Trump Plaza. D'Elia claims Trump agreed to an $8 million price but later offered only $7 million. The remaining million was decided by a coin toss, which Trump won, according to D'Elia and corroborated by Barry Shapiro, the property's former co-owner.
"The Life We Chose, William 'Big Billy' D'Elia and the Last Secrets of America's Most Powerful Mafia Family," by Matt Birkbeck. (HarperCollins/William Morrow)
A Trump campaign spokesperson dismissed the book's claims as fiction. However, this isn't the first time Trump has been linked to settling business deals with a coin toss. Investment banker Ken Moelis recounted a similar incident in 2017.
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ - Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino. (Getty Images)
Beyond Trump, the book also explores D'Elia's representation of Michael Jackson, including a rejected $1 million offer from Trump for Jackson to perform at a casino. D'Elia, who served time for money laundering and other charges, now lives a quiet life, never having cooperated with authorities against organized crime.
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