The Fox News host Sean Hannity was revealed this week as a client of Donald Trump's lawyer Michael Cohen, but a Guardian investigation has uncovered a vast real estate empire worth at least $90m. Public records link Hannity to a network of shell companies that have bought more than 870 properties across seven states.
Hannity's portfolio includes luxury mansions as well as low-income rental housing, with some purchases backed by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (Hud). This fact was not disclosed when Hannity praised Hud secretary Ben Carson on his show last year. Hannity's attorney confirmed he is the beneficial owner of all the shell companies involved.
Dozens of the properties were acquired at discount after bank foreclosures in 2013, despite Hannity's repeated criticism of Barack Obama over the foreclosure rate. The investments include two large apartment complexes in Georgia, bought for $22.7m, where rents range from $735 to $1,065 per month. Hud insured the mortgages under a programme created by the National Housing Act.
Hannity, who earns an estimated $36m a year, did not mention his financial interest when he hosted Carson to discuss housing policy. He also failed to disclose his legal consultations with Cohen, a fact that emerged during Cohen's court hearing. The shell companies are registered to a wealth management firm whose principal has appeared on Hannity's radio show as a financial expert.
