The Trump Organization has reportedly asked the federal government for rent relief also granted to other federal tenants for the Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C.
Eric Trump, President Trump’s second son, told The New York Times the company is current on its rent but has asked the General Services Administration (GSA), which leases the building to the company, for any rent delays it grants other tenants.
“Just treat us the same,” Eric Trump in a statement on Tuesday, according to the Times. “Whatever that may be is fine.”
Although President Trump has turned over day-to-day operations of the company to his eldest sons, Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., he still owns the company. The federal CARES Act barred the company from receiving relief funds due to the pandemic, and the company has argued it is only seeking a temporary reprieve amid the drop in business that has affected most of the hotel industry.
As a result of the pandemic and the economic downturn, the company has shut down its Las Vegas hotel and the Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, while the Pennsylvania Avenue hotel continues to accept reservations but has closed its bar, restaurant and spa.
Amid the closures, the company is also reportedly in touch with Deutsche Bank, its largest creditor, about payment delays for its hotels and golf courses.
“These days everybody is working together,” Eric Trump told the Times earlier in April. “Tenants are working with landlords, landlords are working with banks. The whole world is working together as we fight through this pandemic.”
The Trump Organization has also reportedly sought guidance from Palm Beach County, from which it leases land for the Trump International Golf Club, according to the Times. County documents indicate the organization was about a week late on a monthly payment of about $488,000 and executives continue to seek guidance on whether they are expected to keep up with payments amid the shutdown.
“In Florida, the very county that mandated we close is the very county collecting rent,” Eric Trump told the Times. “What are they doing for others? Just treat us the same.”
The Hill has reached out to the GSA for comment.