Trump organization completes sale of Trump International Hotel, ending Trump business presence in DC

The Trump Organization officially completed its sale of the Trump International Hotel in Washington, DC, on Wednesday, and reportedly pocketing $100 million on the sale to CGI Merchant Group, who plans to turn the capital city landmark into a Waldorf Astoria hotel.

The building, whose iconic clock tower makes it one of the tallest buildings in Washington, DC, used to house the DC Post Office. It was leased by the Trump Organization from the federal government and turned into the Trump International Hotel.

The hotel became a source of much scrutiny for the Trump family during the Trump presidency and reportedly lost upward of $70 million during the Trump presidency.

The hotel’s location is one of its main attractions, as it sits on Pennsylvania Avenue between the White House and the Capitol Building. “We took a dilapidated and underutilized government building and transformed it into one of the most iconic hotels in the world. We are incredibly proud of what we accomplished,” said Eric Trump, the former president’s son.

CGI Merchant Group had crews in the building on Wednesday night just hours after the sale was completed, tearing down Trump signage and removing the last vestiges of Trump business interests in the capital city. During the Trump presidency, the hotel became a popular gathering spot for Trump supporters and affiliates. 

Guests who had upcoming reservations at Trump International Hotel were informed this week that their reservations had been canceled upon completion of the sale.

Some have suggested the sale was completed for $375 million. The sale amounts to about $1.4 million a room, which Democrat lawmakers have claimed to be a suspiciously high amount. Congressional representatives have requested a list of CGI’s investors from the Miami-based firm.