US military spending $130K a month to rent Trump Tower space: report
US military spending $130K a month to rent Trump Tower space: report, The U.S. military is spending $130,000 a month to rent space in Trump Tower in New York City for the White House Military Office, despite the fact that Trump hasn't stayed at the property in months.
US military spending $130K a month to rent Trump Tower space: report, The U.S. military is spending $130,000 a month to rent space in Trump Tower in New York City for the White House Military Office, despite the fact that Trump hasn't stayed at the property in months.
The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday that the military agreed to pay $180,000 for the last 20 days of April 2017 and $130,000 a month thereafter, according to the contract released by the General Services Administration (GSA).
The lease rate being paid by the military is far above the typical rate for such a space, making it one of the most costly real estate rentals in Manhattan, the Wall Street Journal reported.
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| US military spending $130K a month to rent Trump Tower space: report |
A spokesman for the agency said that the owner of the space was a private individual who is unaffiliated with the Trump Organization, suggesting that Trump is not financially benefitting from the lease. The name of the individual was redacted by the GSA.
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.
"We are not aware of any means through which the president would personally benefit from a government lease of this space," the letter read. The lease negotiations, the Pentagon said, "have been with the owner's representatives only."
