In another clear violation of the emolument clause of the United States Constitution, President Trump is charging the U.S. military a whopping $130,000 a month to rent an office in Trump Tower in New York City, despite the fact that Trump hasn’t stayed at the property in months.
According to a report published by The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday, the military agreed to pay $180,000 for the last 20 days of April 2017 and $130,000 a month thereafter.
Citing a copy o the contract released by the General Services Administration (GSA), the report revealed that lease rate being paid by the military is far above the typical rate for such an office space, making it one of the most costly real estate rentals in Manhattan.
As noted by WSJ, the White House Military Office is a part of the U.S. military that provides vital services that are required by law to be near the president at all times, including the so-called “nuclear football.” It is unaffiliated with the Secret Service.
In May, the Pentagon moved forward with obtaining the lease in Trump Tower despite objections from Democrats over the “appearance” of renting from one of President Trump’s properties.
“The space is necessary for the personnel and equipment who will support the president at his residence in the building,” a spokesman said in February.
In a letter to Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.), the Pentagon assured Democrats that the deal would not financially benefit the president.
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