Trump Allegedly Stiffs Contractors Out Of $5 Million For Work On D.C. Hotel

Liens Could Affect Trump Organization’s Lease With Federal Government

A third contractor has filed a lien against President-elect Donald Trump’s Washington, D.C. hotel. 

AES Electrical alleges that it has not been paid for $2.9 million worth of work completed prior to the Trump International Hotel’s opening in September. 

“Merry Christmas and a happy new year to us,” Tim Miller, the executive vice president of AES, told The Washington Post. 

Miller said AES crews worked 12 hour days for several weeks to finish their work — in time for Trump to hold a nationally televised campaign event (pictured) where he bragged the hotel was completed “ “under budget and ahead of schedule.” 

AES is the third contractor to file a lien against the hotel, joining a plumbing company and a construction firm that are seeking $2.98 million and $79,700 respectively.  

Under D.C. law, contractors can file mechanic’s leans to protest unpaid work on real estate projects. According to the Post, the liens could affect the Trump Organization’s lease with the federal government for the building where the hotel is located, the Old Post Office Pavilion. 

The Trump Organization issued a statement saying such liens are “not uncommon” and that the company is “incredibly proud of what is now considered to be one the most iconic hotels anywhere in the country.”

But the Post notes that Trump has a long record of not paying contractors: “Hundreds of small business owners and blue collar workers including painters, dishwashers, waiters, bathroom installers, chandelier sellers, curtain makers and lawyers have in the past accused Trump’s businesses of leaving them with unpaid bills at times.”