Trump Hotel Restaurant Rakes in Money From GOP

Republican lawmakers from around the country have poured into strategically positioned BLT Prime over the past year, dropping thousands of dollars on meals and political fundraisers at the high-end steakhouse tucked inside Trump International Hotel.

While Capitol Hill fixture Charlie Palmer Steak continues to clean up in terms of overall campaign spending, the Washington Post reports that political operatives have pumped nearly $1.3 million toward businesses built up by now-President Donald Trump since Election Day 2016. Over three dozen sitting politicos have patronized Trump’s hotels and golf clubs, including the following big spenders at the only D.C. restaurant President Trump has visited since taking office.

• Rep. Bill Shuster, R-Pa.: The eight-term political scion from Pennsylvania — his father was former congressman Bud Shuster — spent $9,277 at Trump International Hotel and BLT Prime earlier this spring.
• Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas: Trump’s former campaign advisor and one-time Homeland Security Department hopeful spent $7,585 in campaign funds on a 2016 Christmas party at BLT Prime.
• Rep. Greg Walden, R-Ore.: The House Energy and Commerce Committee chair spent $6,707 in campaign funds to cover a fundraiser and meeting at BLT Prime.
• Rep. Roger Williams, R-Texas: The three-term Texan and coach of the congressional baseball team spent $3,286 in campaign funds on a business meeting at BLT Prime.
• Rep. MIke Kelly, R-Pa.: The four-term Pennsylvanian spent $2,154 in campaign funds on events at Trump hotel and BLT Prime.

Trump recently said he’s ready to dine elsewhere, floating the possibility of exploring the local dining scene during an appearance on a conservative radio show.