Anyone who thinks Trump doesn't understand political capital is simply a moron. Do you guys have any idea how hard it is to get something built in NYC or Chicago? It's all about knowing the players, from the mayor, to some lifer in the inspector's office, to the biatch that makes coffee down at the permit office, the union guys, especially the one you have to get on board, the state EPA guys, the old bat who runs the historical society, the list goes on and on. It's about calling in favors and earning new ones.
It's also about knowing who you don't have to worry about so you don't waste time.