Trump Organization exploring sale of landmark Washington hotel

Hotel subject of ethics complaints since 2016 opening

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s company said Friday that it is exploring the sale of its landmark Washington hotel after nearly three years of ethics complaints and lawsuits accusing him of trying to profit off the presidency.

The Trump Organization says it will consider offers to buy out the 60-year lease on the Trump International Hotel, arguably the biggest symbol of the clash between the president’s public duties and his financial empire. Since it opened in late 2016 just before his election, it has been a magnet for lobbyists and diplomats.

“People are objecting to us making so much money on the hotel and therefore we may be willing to sell,” said Eric Trump, an executive vice president of the Trump Organization. “Since we opened our doors, we have received tremendous interest in this hotel and as realestate developers, we are always willing to explore our options.”

The opulent, 263-room hotel built in the Old Post Office down the street from the White House has hosted parties thrown by diplomats from the Philippines, Kuwait and other countries, and has been among Trump’s biggest money makers. It is at the center of two lawsuits accusing the president of violating the emoluments clause of the U.S. Constitution, which bars presidents from receiving gifts or payments from foreign governments.

According to Trump’s most recent financial disclosure, the hotel took in $41 million in revenue last year, up less than half a million dollars from the previous year.

Government watchdogs saw danger with the sale itself.

“If the Trump Organization puts out a ‘For Sale’ sign ... and seeks and takes bids, it will create massive conflicts of interests with the deep-pocketed individuals, foreign governments, investment funds or corporations that could afford to make such a purchase,” said Robert Weissman, president of Public Citizen, a liberal-leaning consumer advocacy group.