CREW requests Events DC records on Trump Hotel

With Events DC awarding $5 million in coronavirus relief grants to hotel workers and operators, taxpayers should know if Trump’s DC hotel is benefiting from efforts to assist small businesses. Since the Events DC Hotel Relief Package grants at least $144 per room in funds for approved hotels, Trump’s hotel, with 263 rooms, would receive a minimum of $37,872 in taxpayer funds if approved for a grant. The public deserves to know if Trump is getting any special treatment for his businesses and if his company is seeking out relief funds intended for small businesses.

CREW has requested any applications from the Trump Organization requesting a grant from Events DC or any approvals of such applications.

While Trump was barred from receiving certain relief from the original CARES Act, he has sought to get help for his flailing businesses through other means, sometimes at the expense of taxpayers. Already, one of his golf courses in Florida has received a rent deferral from the Palm Beach City Council. Additionally, the threat of Trump retaliating against those who do not push for his personal priorities might be enough for a local government to unduly benefit his businesses. These records will show if Trump’s business benefited from Events DC funding that was intended to support small businesses in dire need of relief.