Crossword Genius

Be a philanthropist? Trump gulped (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

donate

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'be' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with ownership as well as being verbs in their base form.
Maybe you can see a link between them that I can't see?

'a philanthropist? trump gulped' is the wordplay.
'a philanthropist? trump' becomes 'don' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'gulped' becomes 'ate' (I've seen this in another clue).
'don'+'ate'='DONATE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for donate that I've seen before include "Give - present" , "Make an offer" , "Contribute charitably" , "Make a gift of" , "Give as a gift as to charity" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app