‘Black Lives Matter’ Spraypainted on Trump’s New DC Hotel

Washington, DC — A man tagged the side entrance of Trump International Hotel with red and black spray paint on Saturday afternoon with slogans “No Justice [No] Peace” and “Black Lives Matter.” The graffiti defaced the side entrance to the ultra-luxury hotel named after Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who is infamous for his racist remarks against blacks, Muslims and Latinos. The hotel just celebrated its grand opening in September.

On Twitter, @AngryBlkManDC tweeted a photo of the graffiti and a video of the tagging in process.

Several pieces of plywood covered the tags while a security guard dressed in a business suit stood by to keep it from being removed.

The guard said that “a special process” would have to be used to remove the paint, but it could not be done right away because the 117-year-old edifice was made of marble, which could deteriorate if sandblasting techniques were used.

The guard also said Trump Hotel did not discuss “security methods” when asked if those responsible had been caught on camera. He referenced a post on Facebook purportedly showing those in action who had tagged the entrance.

Trump International Hotel leases the building from the General Accounting Office, who must must be consulted before removing the paint. In 2012, the company headed by presidential candidate Donald Trump leased the building for 60 years. It partnered with Colony Capital in a $200 million cash bid to renovate the Old Post Office Pavilion. The building houses the Old Bell Tower, the third tallest structure in Washington, DC.

Trump Hotels won the bid with a relatively modest rent of $3.5 million a year and a commitment to $200 million in renovations, almost double the next highest bidder. The rent costs will likely be a tax write-off because the 117-year-old building is listed as a federally protected landmark.

The “Old Bell Tower” which was built in 1899, may have drawn Trump to it with its history of controversy. It was almost torn down in the 1920s, 1930s, and again in the 1970s. But its iconic tower, the third tallest structure in the District, staved off the wrecking ball as people warmed to its permanence.

Controversy has also swirled around Trump’s new hotel since opening day when local groups picketed the entire day, lambasting the presidential candidate for bigoted comments about minorities, Muslims, and women.

Trump has reportedly set the price of suites for the presidential inaugural weekend at a half million a night.