Trump Eyes a Comeback at D.C.’s Old Post Office Hotel

In a dramatic twist befitting the capital’s storied real estate battles, former President Donald Trump may once again put his name atop the Old Post Office building, the iconic property he once transformed into the Trump International Hotel. Now operating as a Waldorf Astoria, the landmark could see the return of the Trump Organization, reigniting debates over politics, prestige, and the enduring pull of the Trump brand.

The Trump Organization, led by Eric Trump, has signaled interest in reclaiming the property, either through a licensing deal or by purchasing the lease outright. “Our family has saved the hotel once. If asked, we would save it again,” Eric Trump remarked, hinting at their readiness to restore the glitz and glamour the property once commanded.

A Building with a Turbulent History

The Old Post Office building, a 125-year-old architectural gem on the National Register of Historic Places, became a symbol of Trump’s real estate prowess in 2012 when his company secured a 60-year lease. Backed by a $100 million renovation, the Trump International Hotel opened in 2016, catering to a high-profile clientele, including foreign dignitaries from Malaysia, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.

The hotel initially thrived, generating over $40 million in revenue during its first year. But mounting financial pressures during Trump’s presidency led to the sale of the lease in 2022 for $375 million to CGI Merchant Group. The property was rebranded as the Waldorf Astoria under Hilton’s management, but the shift proved less successful. Guest numbers dwindled, leaving its current value at a steeply discounted $260 million.

The Trump Organization’s Interest

The recent downturn has caught the attention of the Trump Organization, although no formal negotiations have begun. An Oklahoma City investment group, led by Andy Burnett and Mark Beffort, is reportedly under contract to buy the property for $260 million—a significant drop from CGI’s purchase price.

If Trump regains control, the move would bring both triumph and controversy. The return of the Trump brand could bolster the building’s struggling fortunes, but it would also resurrect tensions tied to Trump’s previous ownership, including criticism over foreign dignitaries’ patronage and lingering disputes with former collaborators like Michelin-starred chef José Andrés.

What Lies Ahead?

The prospect of Trump’s return to the Old Post Office could reshape the landscape of D.C.’s hotel scene. Supporters see it as a chance to revitalize an underperforming property; critics view it as a reemergence of political theater in the heart of the nation’s capital.

For now, the Old Post Office stands at a crossroads—a storied monument poised to become, once again, a stage for the Trump legacy. Will the gilded “Trump” name reappear on Pennsylvania Avenue? The answer may come as soon as the ink dries on the next deal.

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