Trump’s name comes from landmark Washington hotel with US approval

The Trump International Hotel is on display in Washington, US Sept. 28, 2020. REUTERS/Erin Scott/File Photo

WASHINGTON, March 25 (Reuters) – The U.S. government said Friday it would allow former President Donald Trump’s company to sell the rights to a luxury Washington hotel to a Hilton affiliate, paving the way for the name of Trump to fall off a building that served as a flashpoint during his presidency.

The US General Services Administration, acting as the federal government’s landlord, said it has approved the deal between the Trump Organization and CGI Merchant Group, a Miami investment firm that plans to operate the building as a Waldorf Astoria hotel. .

Located in the historic Old Post Office building four blocks from the White House, the Trump International Hotel served as a rallying point for its supporters and some foreign government officials during his presidency, and a sticking point for critics who said it violated ethical laws.

Trump’s company struck a deal to sell his rights to the property for a reported $375 million, which could net him a $100 million profit.

Democrats in Congress had urged GSA to cancel the lease before Trump could sell it, arguing that he may have misrepresented his finances when the government leased the property to him in 2013, before running for office. suggested for the presidency. read more

The Trump Organization and CGI Merchant Group did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Reporting by Andy Sullivan; additional reporting by Caitlin Webber; Editing by Rami Ayyub and Alistair Bell

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