Old Post Office (Washington, D.C.)

Old Post Office Pavilion
Company type	Government building (historic), Hotel (current use)
Industry	Historic preservation, Hospitality
Founded	1892
Headquarters	Washington, D.C., United States
Products	Office space (historic), Hotel services (current)

The Old Post Office, officially recognized on the National Register of Historic Places as the Old Post Office and Clock Tower, is situated at 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. in Washington, D.C.. This building contributes to the Pennsylvania Avenue National Historic Site and is located near the Federal Triangle station on the Washington Metro. Its clock tower, standing 315 feet (96 meters) tall, contains the "Bells of Congress" and features an observation deck that provides sweeping views of the city. Originally constructed as a historic federal office structure, it currently functions as a hotel.

Built from 1892 to 1899, the edifice showcases Richardsonian Romanesque design, a style prevalent in late 19th-century America. The bell tower ranks as the third tallest building in Washington, D.C., not counting radio towers. It succeeded an earlier General Post Office built in 1839 in the Classical Revival style on F Street NW and served as the primary post office for the city until 1914.

Primarily utilized as a federal office facility, this landmark narrowly escaped demolition during the construction phases of the Federal Triangle complex in both the 1920s–30s and again in the 1970s. Significant refurbishments took place in 1976 and 1983, which expanded office space, introduced a food court and retail zones, and added a skylight over the central atrium’s roof—resulting in its renaming as the Old Post Office Pavilion. A glass-enclosed extension was completed in 1991 on what was formerly a parking area.

In 2013, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) entered into a 60-year lease agreement with a group led by "DJT Holdings LLC," owned by Donald Trump through a revocable trust. Trump transformed the building into a luxury hotel named the Trump International Hotel Washington, D.C., which officially opened on September 12, 2016. The hotel ceased operations on May 11, 2022, after being sold to CGI Merchant Group and subsequently reopened under the name Waldorf Astoria Washington DC on June 1, 2022.

Construction and opening

On June 25, 1890, United States Congress authorized the construction of a new post office for Washington, D.C.. The location at Pennsylvania Avenue and 12th Street was selected by Senator Leland Stanford in 1888 with the aim of revitalizing the Murder Bay district situated between the Capitol and the White House. Designed by Supervising Architect Willoughby J. Edbrooke in Romanesque Revival style, construction commenced in 1892 and concluded in 1899 at an expense of $3 million.

Upon completion, this Post Office Building featured Washington’s largest uninterrupted interior space along with a clock tower rising to 315 feet. It was notable as the city’s first steel-framed structure and its initial design to incorporate built-in electrical wiring. The building boasted intricately crafted iron elevators, a glass-covered atrium with mezzanine levels, marble flooring, decorative moldings, railings, and wainscoting. The atrium soared to a height of 196 feet and was encircled by ten floors of balconies that allowed natural light to penetrate before electric lighting became widespread indoors. More than 39,000 electric lights illuminated the structure using power generated onsite. Supervisors could monitor workers via catwalks located on the third floor. Executive offices on the fifth floor were outfitted with turrets, carved wood trim, and red oak paneling.

Despite these advancements, several problems emerged: skylights and windows leaked; marble floors were improperly installed; and overall construction quality was below expectations. The ninth floor, intended for file storage, was structurally insufficient to bear necessary loads. Rapid progress in electrical and mechanical engineering soon made parts of the building outdated. Furthermore, anticipated economic growth around the site did not occur as expected.

19th century

During the 1898 meeting of the American Institute of Architects, New York architect George B. Post condemned the building as exceptionally unattractive. Senator Joseph Roswell Hawley likened it to "a hybrid of a cathedral and a cotton mill." By the time it opened, the structure was already insufficiently sized for its government occupants. While the city postmaster had requested a footprint, only a fraction was secured. The post office occupied the ground floor and mezzanine, which were overcrowded by early 1900. Plans to relocate Treasury Department offices to the eighth floor were abandoned due to lack of space.

In 1899, James P. Willett, the Washington D.C. Postmaster, tragically died after falling down an unguarded elevator shaft protected only by a weak wooden barrier.

In the early 1880s, Senators Justin Smith Morrill and John James Ingalls proposed clearing buildings between Pennsylvania Avenue and B Street (now Constitution Avenue) to establish a park. Nevertheless, the influential 1902 McMillan Plan advocated for retaining the recently finished structure. That same year, an editorial in the Washington Post called for its demolition. In 1906, essayist Sammuel E. Moffett criticized the building as discordant with Washington’s formal architectural style. Later that year, Senator Weldon B. Heyburn introduced legislation aimed at federally acquiring land around the building to construct architecturally consistent office buildings while preserving the prominent Post Office Building and its commanding tower.

The clock in the building’s tower was initially mechanical and gravity-driven: a cable wound around a drum with a heavy weight slowly unwinding to move the hands, necessitating rewinding once or twice daily.

20th century

In 1914, the General Post Office of the District of Columbia relocated to a larger Beaux Arts/Classical Revival style building adjacent to the newly completed Union Station, utilizing the national railroad network for expedited mail service. Despite being only fifteen years old, this facility at 12th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue was already referred to as the "old" post office and functioned as office space for various government agencies over the next four decades.

The Old Post Office Building was targeted for demolition during development of Federal Triangle. The 1926 Public Buildings Act authorized construction of Federal Triangle, a new U.S. Supreme Court building opposite the Capitol, expansions of other federal structures, and street widenings. The removal of both the 1898 District Building (John A. Wilson Building) and the Old Post Office was widely anticipated. A Board of Architectural Consultants formed in 1927 provided guidance on Federal Triangle’s development but left unresolved the fate of these existing buildings.

By July 1927, this board had adopted a Neoclassical architectural approach aligned with the McMillan Plan and proposed two ceremonial plazas, including a Circular Plaza that would require demolishing the Old Post Office. However, by 1934, economic hardships during the Great Depression combined with congressional resistance halted demolition plans despite backing from executive authorities. Senator Elmer Thomas notably opposed replacing the building in 1938 due to financial concerns.

The Old Post Office endured because Depression-era budget limitations and public opposition prevented destruction of a structurally sound edifice. President Franklin D. Roosevelt showed little enthusiasm for completing Federal Triangle’s uniform aesthetic, further diminishing demolition momentum. The clock tower became an iconic city landmark and was utilized by the United States Information Agency in international propaganda films.

By the 1950s, Pennsylvania Avenue surrounding the building had deteriorated economically, contrasting sharply with nearby monumental Federal Triangle structures. In 1956, a mechanical clock weight fell through two floors without causing injuries; it was subsequently replaced by an electric mechanism.

Following President John F. Kennedy’s observation of Pennsylvania Avenue’s decline during his inaugural parade, he established a President's Council on Pennsylvania Avenue aimed at revitalizing the area. The council’s preliminary plan preserved the Old Post Office but remained incomplete at Kennedy’s assassination in 1963.

President Lyndon B. Johnson continued efforts through a Temporary President's Commission that recommended demolishing the Old Post Office to complete Federal Triangle; however, congressional approval never came through and funding ended by 1969. The permanent Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation (PADC) was created in 1972.

Demolition attempts resumed briefly in February 1970 after receiving approval from the National Capital Planning Commission but encountered strong resistance from architectural critics such as Wolf Von Eckardt and preservation organizations like "Don't Tear It Down," which included prominent individuals like Nancy Hanks of the National Endowment for the Arts. Advocacy efforts expanded to Congress and federal agencies, resulting in Senate hearings in April 1971 and a recommendation from the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation to preserve the structure.

Despite efforts by the Nixon administration to remove the Old Post Office before the 1976 Bicentennial celebration, Senator Mike Gravel—chairing a key Senate subcommittee—opposed funding for demolition. In June 1972, funds were denied by the House Appropriations Committee for its removal, effectively saving the building from destruction.

Preservation and renovation

In 1973, the Old Post Office was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places. That same year, the General Services Administration (GSA) abandoned its demolition plans and instead formulated a preservation strategy, which received approval from the National Capital Planning Commission.

The Public Buildings Cooperative Use Act of 1976 facilitated a significant refurbishment by permitting the GSA to lease federal properties and reinvest the earnings into upgrades, including commercial retail and dining establishments. The Old Post Office became the inaugural project under this legislation.

Commencing in 1977, an $18 million restoration addressed severe deterioration issues such as a dim atrium roof, water infiltration, mold growth, pigeon excrement within the tower, and malfunctioning heating systems.

In 1978, the GSA organized a competition to select a redevelopment partner, initially anticipating hotel proposals. Contrary to expectations, a consortium of four companies won with an alternative vision. The GSA granted them a 55-year lease with an annual rent of $166,000 plus profit sharing.

The extensive $29 million renovation completed in 1983 involved gutting much of the interior to improve functionality while preserving historically significant areas. Old surfaces were replaced with pink marble; pastel hues refreshed the interiors. Enhancements included a glass-enclosed elevator leading to the observation deck and an elegant staircase, alongside two new restaurants. Art installations featured Robert Irwin's 48 Shadow Planes. The building reopened on April 19, 1983, with Vice President George H. W. Bush officiating. Federal occupants encompassed cultural organizations such as the Institute for Museum Services and the National Endowments for the Arts and Humanities. Retail operations launched on September 13, 1983, nearly fully leased with more than 50 eateries and shops, earning the moniker "Old Post Office Pavilion." Eventually, Hillman Properties acquired full ownership.

An 1889 statue of Benjamin Franklin was installed near the entrance in 1980. Congress renamed the structure the Nancy Hanks Center in 1983.

Beginning in 1984, replicas of the Postal Service's "Love" stamps were lowered from the clock tower every New Year's Eve as part of large-scale public festivities featuring music, fireworks, and laser displays that initially attracted crowds up to 100,000. These stamp replicas increased in size over time, reaching two tons by 1990. However, following a fatal accident in 1986 and mounting expenses, funding was withdrawn by D.C. that year, leading to a sharp decline in attendance. The Postal Service discontinued outdoor stamp drops after 1990.

Despite these attractions, financial difficulties persisted at the Pavilion. GSA-imposed restrictions limited storefront visibility and repeatedly denied requests to expand retail space due to security concerns. Retail income fluctuated seasonally while restaurants experienced frequent turnover. The Old Post Office Joint Venture earned modest rent but lacked approval to increase retail space from approximately 50,000 square feet to , impeding profitability and expansion plans.

East Atrium annex

Confronted with financial difficulties at the Old Post Office Pavilion, OPOJV proposed constructing a glass-enclosed annex on the parking lot adjacent to the IRS building. Although opposed by the D.C. Historic Preservation Review Board, Congress allocated $1.7 million toward the project, with OPOJV pledging an additional $15 million. The National Capital Planning Commission granted approval.

The East Atrium debuted on March 6, 1992, encompassing three floors and offering 100,000 square feet beneath a glass roof. Under the development agreement, federal ownership remained with the land while Hillman Properties retained ownership of the structure. During construction, upscale retailers within the Pavilion were supplanted by lower-end tourist shops; however, the East Atrium attracted larger high-end retailers and included amenities such as a 5,000-square-foot miniature golf course and bar. Managed by General Growth Properties, approximately 78 percent of its space was leased. Critical reception was mixed: praised for its bright interior and contemporary design features yet criticized for awkward proportions by local architects Karn Charuhas Chapman & Twohey.

On August 26, 1992, a minor fire caused by roof repairs broke out but was promptly extinguished; nonetheless it disrupted evening rush hour traffic.

By October 1993, despite drawing over three million visitors annually, OPOJV fell behind on rent payments to GSA and defaulted on its mortgage held by Collin Equities (a Wells Fargo affiliate). Analysts attributed problems to high heating and cooling expenses for the expansive atrium space, tenant turnover rates, and absence of a theater below ground level. Although popular as a D.C. attraction, retail experts concluded it never achieved profitability; rental income from East Atrium was insufficient to sustain operations.

In October 1993 Collin Equities/Wells Fargo foreclosed on OPOJV and engaged Hill Partners from Charlotte to revitalize retail operations. Hill Partners aimed to double visitor numbers beyond seven million by enhancing access and tenant composition with more locally relevant retailers. They disclosed that East Atrium consistently operated at a loss and was never more than half occupied—casting uncertainty on its future viability—yet committed to preserving it as a "festival marketplace" combining entertainment venues with food service and retail shops.

In March 1995 Cineplex Odeon announced intentions for a seven-screen cinema in vacant East Atrium space but withdrew in May 1996 after failing to finalize lease terms with Hill Partners.

Hill Partners encountered ongoing challenges attracting tenants for both East Atrium and Pavilion spaces. In June 1996 Virgin Group explored opening a Virgin Megastore along with a cinema complex and themed restaurant but favored locations within the main building rather than East Atrium; no deals materialized.

In 1997 hotel developer Denhill D.C., LLC proposed acquiring Collin Equities/Wells Fargo’s leasehold interest to invest over $100 million converting upper floors into hotel accommodations while expanding street-level retail by opening Pennsylvania Avenue-facing walls. They sought extension of the existing 55-year lease to 65 years with options for further renewals and had secured prospective management teams and tenants; however negotiations were suspended by GSA amid concerns about granting long-term leases without competitive bidding processes.

21st century

By August 2000, the Old Post Office's business situation had worsened significantly. Over its 17 years of operation, the building had never achieved profitability, with vacancy rates reaching 80%, the East Atrium remaining closed, and Wells Fargo no longer paying rent due to insufficient revenue. Acknowledging that retail and office uses were not financially viable, the GSA negotiated to terminate the lease agreement with Collins Equities and Wells Fargo. The agency explored options such as converting retail spaces into offices or completely redeveloping the property as a hotel—a concept that gained appeal following Kimpton Hotels' successful conversion of the nearby vacant Tariff Commission Building into the upscale Hotel Monaco.

On December 28, 2000, in compliance with federal funding requirements, GSA submitted a redevelopment proposal. By June 2001, several senators authorized GSA to acquire leasehold interests under specified conditions.

In 2002, lobbyist Jack Abramoff unlawfully attempted to secure the lease for a Native American tribe client through contacts with GSA chief of staff David Safavian, who was later convicted of perjury connected to this matter.

The GSA released a Request for Expression of Interest in 2004; although it received multiple submissions, no subsequent steps were taken. At the same time, initiatives to transform the building into the National Women's History Museum received Senate approval in 2005 but encountered local opposition due to concerns about transferring the property without compensation. Later efforts targeting only portions of the structure also failed.

In March 2005, GSA issued a Request for Information (RFI) and obtained over twenty responses; however, it did not advance to a Request for Proposals (RFP) stage because the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) withheld approval, questioning the financial viability.

The Mid-Atlantic floods of 2006 affected several federal buildings’ basements, including that of the Old Post Office. Despite this, it reopened within two days while other buildings remained closed for longer durations.

By 2007, estimates placed modernization expenses above $100 million. Although rental revenues reached $5.4 million that year, operating costs amounted to $11.9 million, resulting in a net loss of $6.5 million.

In 2008, Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton introduced the "Old Post Office Building Redevelopment Act" aimed at accelerating redevelopment efforts. The act passed Congress and was signed into law by President George W. Bush, mandating GSA to relocate federal occupants and submit redevelopment agreements to Congress prior to execution.

The National Capital Planning Commission’s 2008 National Capital Framework supported renovating the building to improve public amenities and contribute to Pennsylvania Avenue’s revitalization.

As of October 2010, no major redevelopment had taken place. Congressional committees criticized GSA for poor management and failure to leverage previous real estate market opportunities, leading to over $25 million spent on maintenance without revenue generation. In response, the Obama administration established an advisory panel tasked with developing disposal strategies for underutilized federal properties such as this one.

Industry specialists observed that challenges related to historic preservation restrictions and numerous existing tenants complicated redevelopment possibilities.

Trump International Hotel

In March 2011, the General Services Administration (GSA) released a new Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Old Post Office Building, attracting ten submissions including proposals for luxury hotels and a National Museum of the Jewish People. Among the bidders were The Trump Organization in partnership with Colony Capital, Carpenter, Monument Realty, JBG Smith, and a joint bid by Hilton Worldwide and Metropolitan Partnership.

On February 6, 2012, GSA awarded the redevelopment contract to The Trump Organization, which planned to transform the structure into a luxury hotel featuring 250 rooms (later reports indicated 261 rooms). The company committed approximately $200 million in mostly cash investments and agreed to pay an annual rent of $3 million. The project envisioned amenities such as a conference center, spa, three high-end restaurants, a 35,000-square-foot meeting and banquet space, a small museum dedicated to the building’s history and Bells of Congress, while preserving the historic exterior façade.

Preservation advocates raised concerns about Trump’s limited experience with historic renovations; in response, Trump cited his involvement with projects like Grand Central Terminal and Mar-a-Lago. Architect Arthur Cotton Moore initially participated but withdrew due to health issues; another preservation-focused architect resigned over disputes regarding historic preservation elements. The National Park Service retained authority over the clock tower and observation deck to guarantee public access.

Skeptics questioned the financial soundness of the plan given Trump’s prior bankruptcies and Colony Capital’s financial difficulties. However, GSA defended its decision citing factors such as financial commitment, experience, design standards, and investment scale. Local media anticipated that the hotel would stimulate economic revitalization in downtown Washington.

Although Monument Realty proposed a higher base rent of $5.1 million annually, their redevelopment investment was lower at $116.5 million compared to Trump’s $200 million pledge. Another bidder filed a protest against GSA’s choice, highlighting Trump’s bankruptcy history and disputing economic projections; this challenge was dismissed by GSA on legal grounds.

In 2012, The Trump Organization sought exemption from D.C.’s possessory interest tax estimated around $3 million per year; this request was denied. Trump publicly denied pursuing any tax relief.

To finalize design and tenant selections, The Trump Organization engaged Streetsense to identify restaurants and retail tenants; Tiffany & Co. was among those approached. Multiple discussions with GSA, preservation bodies, and city officials shaped redevelopment plans that included extending 11th Street NW and adding retail spaces on all corners. Several design proposals involving signage and canopies were rejected by historic agencies.

By early 2013, lease negotiations experienced delays attributed to complexities surrounding lease duration and historic preservation requirements. Trump considered replacing Colony Capital or financing the entire redevelopment with his own capital.

Regulatory approvals progressed in April–May 2013: the Commission of Fine Arts granted preliminary approval; GSA completed an environmental impact study projecting annual revenues of $6.5 million from hotel bed taxes and $1.5 million from sales taxes.

On June 4, 2013, GSA finalized a 60-year lease agreement with The Trump Organization at a starting rent of $250,000 per month indexed to CPI, with an option to extend for an additional 40 years. Trump committed at least $200 million from personal funds toward redevelopment and provided a $40 million personal guaranty plus safeguards against misconduct. The lease stipulated payment of all applicable taxes but permitted pursuit of historic preservation tax credits.

The hotel was designed as a property with approximately 260 rooms (sources vary between 260–275), featuring ceiling heights ranging from 14 to 25 feet and an average room size near 600 square feet. A significant share of suites targeted executives and diplomats. Two presidential suites measuring about 3,000 square feet each included luxury features such as fireplaces and saunas.

The redevelopment plan incorporated amenities including an art gallery, café, bar, fitness center, library, lounge with fountain, a Mar-a-Lago branded spa (approximately 4,000 square feet), several upscale dining venues, and luxury retail shops. Public access to the clock tower observation deck remained under National Park Service management. The building’s exterior retained its historic multicolor brickwork and granite pavement.

Key alterations involved converting the East Atrium basement into a parking garage accommodating 150 vehicles; the ground floor ballroom spanning roughly 31,600–35,000 square feet was designed as the largest luxury hotel ballroom in Washington D.C., complemented by about 20,000 square feet of conference space above it. City authorities approved extending 11th Street NW for improved access; the main entrance was relocated to this side with plans for a new steel-and-glass canopy pending final approval.

A secondary entrance on 12th Street NW served retail outlets and restaurants with added outdoor seating on adjacent streets; C Street NW remained closed to vehicular traffic but its plaza area was expanded for public use.

Construction commenced on May 1, 2014; renovations required closing the clock tower temporarily. Exterior modifications included replacing "OLD POST OFFICE" signage with "TRUMP INTERNATIONAL HOTEL" above the main archway.

The hotel had a soft opening on September 12, 2016; its official grand opening took place on October 26, 2016. Initial reviews were mixed: Vanity Fair described the interior as "a frightful dump," while Luxury Travel Intelligence ranked it among the world’s worst hotels due to service shortcomings and ostentatious décor. By 2018–2019 however, Forbes Travel Guide awarded it Five Star status; Condé Nast Traveler commended its dining options and service quality; it also achieved top rankings on TripAdvisor among Washington hotels.

Initial contracts with chefs José Andrés and Geoffrey Zakarian ended after Donald Trump's controversial political statements in June 2015; legal disputes related to these departures were resolved by April 2017.

The Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival had been held annually on Pennsylvania Avenue near the Old Post Office for over ten years but relocated in 2016–2017 due to lane restrictions negotiated by The Trump Organization that limited festival space near the hotel.

On January 19, 2017—the day before Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration—he hosted a leadership luncheon priced at $1 million per ticket in the hotel’s Presidential Ballroom attended by cabinet nominees and major donors; Ivanka Trump played a role in resolving conflicts between event organizers and hotel staff.

Following Trump's inauguration as president, the hotel became central in legal disputes concerning emoluments violations amid reports that foreign governments stayed there seeking favor. Ivanka Trump benefited financially from ownership stakes during his presidency.

Post-presidency investigations revealed that foreign government payments alone amounted to approximately $3.7 million at the hotel potentially breaching constitutional emoluments clauses. Financial disclosures showed net losses exceeding $70 million during Trump's tenure; DJT Holdings LLC provided loans exceeding $27 million to cover these losses most of which were converted into capital contributions.

CREW v. Trump

In January 2017, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), along with distinguished legal experts such as Laurence Tribe, Norman L. Eisen, Erwin Chemerinsky, and Zephyr Teachout, initiated a lawsuit against Donald Trump. The plaintiffs contended that Trump breached the Foreign Emoluments Clause by accepting payments from foreign patrons at his hotels and other business ventures. This case was ultimately dismissed by the U.S. Supreme Court as moot in January 2021 following the conclusion of Trump's presidency.

District of Columbia and Maryland v. Trump

On June 12, 2017, the Attorneys General of the District of Columbia (Karl Racine) and Maryland (Brian Frosh) filed suit against President Trump, alleging violations of both the Foreign and Domestic Emoluments Clauses. The complaint focused on The Trump Organization’s acceptance of foreign funds through Trump Hotels, asserting that such conduct adversely impacted the economies of D.C. and Maryland while conflicting with public interests. Similar to CREW v. Trump, this lawsuit was dismissed as moot by the Supreme Court in January 2021 after Trump left office.

Blumenthal v. Trump

On June 14, 2017, Senator Richard Blumenthal and Representative John Conyers, Jr., representing over one-third of Congress, filed a suit alleging breaches of the Foreign Emoluments Clause. The complaint sought Congressional consent before the President could accept gifts from foreign governments and specifically addressed efforts to solicit foreign entities at the Old Post Office building. In 2020, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia held that individual members of Congress did not have standing to seek declaratory or injunctive relief regarding these alleged violations.

Trump's Reaction

In response, President Trump proposed redirecting payments from foreign visitors to the U.S. Treasury and placing his business holdings into a trust managed by his children. Walter M. Shaub, then Director of the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, criticized this plan for deviating from the customary practice observed by Presidents over the past four decades, which typically involves full divestiture.

GSA Lease Agreement

The lease agreement signed by The Trump Organization with the General Services Administration (GSA) in 2013 contains a provision prohibiting elected officials from profiting from the lease. After Trump's inauguration, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington argued that Trump Old Post Office LLC breached this conflict-of-interest clause due to Trump's ownership stake. Democratic lawmakers called for complete divestment to ensure compliance with the lease terms. Senators Tom Carper and Claire McCaskill, senior members on pertinent Senate committees, requested an inspector general investigation into potential violations. In March 2017, following corporate restructuring and transferring the property into a revocable trust, the GSA declared that the tenant was fully compliant with lease requirements.

On August 30, 2017, Bloomberg BNA reported that both the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and GSA Inspector General had launched reviews into GSA’s management of this lease. By January 2019, GSA General Counsel Jack St. John agreed with findings indicating that Trump's financial interests in the hotel might contravene the emoluments clause and violate lease provisions.

Political demonstrations

Throughout the Trump administration, the Old Post Office frequently served as a focal point for political demonstrations. On May 15, 2017, artist Robin Bell projected various messages onto the building's facade, including the phrase "Emoluments Welcome," accompanied by animated flags representing nations where Trump maintained business interests. Following reports that Trump used the term "shithole" during a meeting, Bell displayed a provocative projection referencing the remark on January 13, 2018. After the March for Our Lives event on March 24, 2018, numerous protesters left signs outside the hotel.

Waldorf Astoria Washington DC

In 2021, the Trump Organization consented to sell the building’s lease for $375 million to CGI Merchant Group, an investment company intending to rebrand it as a Waldorf Astoria. The transaction was expected to yield approximately $100 million in profit for the Trump Organization. However, by July 2025, reports revealed that CGI had borrowed $28 million from Trump to cover closing expenses and subsequently defaulted on this loan. Trump had initially invested $100 million in the property and realized $79 million in after-tax gains from the sale.

In February 2022, the House Oversight Committee attempted to block the sale, asserting that Trump had provided inaccurate financial disclosures to federal authorities and contending that he should not benefit financially from his presidency. Although the General Services Administration (GSA) held authority to terminate the lease prior to completion, it chose not to exercise this power.

The hotel ceased operations on May 11, 2022, following its acquisition by CGI Merchant Group. The removal of Trump branding drew widespread international media coverage. The property reopened under its new Waldorf Astoria identity on June 1, 2022.

Foreclosure and Auction

On August 5, 2024, after CGI defaulted on its loan, its lender foreclosed on the leasehold interest. The lender, BDT & MSD Partners, conducted an auction for the leasehold but received no competing bids. Consequently, the lender placed a $100 million bid and assumed control of the property. Hilton’s management agreement remained active.

Clock tower and bells

The Old Post Office Building’s clock tower ranks as Washington’s third-tallest structure following the Washington Monument and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Its observation deck provides sweeping views of the cityscape. Inside the tower is an exhibit detailing the building’s preservation efforts alongside a display explaining the mechanics of its illuminated clock.

Housed within the Clock Tower are the Bells of Congress (also known as Ditchley Bells), which were cast by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry as replicas of Westminster Abbey’s bells. Donated by Sir David Wills, founder of the Ditchley Foundation, in honor of the 1976 United States Bicentennial, they were installed in 1983. This set of ten bells varies in weight and diameter and is composed of 78% copper and 22% tin. Each bell bears embossments of both United States and British Great Seals, along with an image of London Pride.

Because the original tower structure was not designed to support heavy or swinging bells, architectural firm Skidmore, Owings and Merrill together with structural engineers Cagley & Associates reinforced it to handle these loads and dynamic forces. The Washington Ringing Society performs change ringing on these bells every Thursday evening and during special events. Serving as official bells of the United States Congress, they represent one of North America’s largest change ringing sets. Visitors can observe the colored ropes used for ringing; there are plans to create a dedicated viewing area for observing the bells themselves.

Prior to a renovation completed in 2014, tours of the Clock Tower were conducted by National Park Service rangers. After being closed for three years during renovation work, tours resumed in February 2017 and continued even throughout the 2018–2019 federal government shutdown, which exempted essential services such as National Park Service operations.

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