Rep. Johnson seeks information on Trump Hotel lease with GSA

Congressman: The Emoluments Clause isn't in the Constitution for nothing.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Hank Johnson's (GA-04) Resolution of Inquiry as Ranking Member of the T&I Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management was rejected by Republicans.

Johnson is seeking information on the lease agreement between the Trump Old Post Office LLC and the General Services Administration (GSA) for the redevelopment of the Old Post Office Building into the Trump International Hotel.

The Trump Old Post Office LLC is completely owned and controlled by President Trump and his three oldest children.

Rep. Johnson requested the documents to determine whether President Trump's continued operation of the Trump Hotel violates our fundamental anti-corruption laws: the Constitution's Foreign and Domestic Emoluments Clauses.

"It's a sad day in our democracy that my fellow members of the Legislative Branch – a coequal branch of government – refuse to do their duty to hold another branch accountable," said Johnson.

"Democrats stood shoulder to shoulder with Republicans during the Obama Administration when GSA and other agencies were accused wrongdoing, and we held them accountable. The American public should expect Republicans to do the same today. This is the only way to assure taxpayers that President Trump is not enriching himself while serving in the ultimate position of public trust."

Several crucial details about this deal between the Trump Organization and GSA remain unknown to Congress and the American taxpayer. Members of the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee have written to GSA five times to get additional information on this lease agreement. Each time GSA refused to answer the inquiries in full.

"Republicans may have voted down our effort to hold Trump accountable today, but this clear conflict of interest won't go away and neither will I. I will continue my effort to protect the Constitution and American taxpayers."

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