Contractors Claim Donald Trump's New DC Hotel Stiffed Them: Report

WASHINGTON, DC — Two contractors reportedly are accusing Donald Trump's new D.C. hotel of stiffing them, an allegation lobbed so frequently at the president-elect that it even became the subject of Hillary Clinton campaign ads.

The Washington Post reports that two contractors who had employees install plumbing, air conditioning, baseboards and crown molding at the $212 million Trump International Hotel that opened up late last year weren't properly paid for their work, and have filed liens on the property.

Trump has repeatedly claimed that the hotel had been finished under budget and ahead of schedule, but if these contractors are to be believed, that's at least partly because of just not paying up. In fact, one of the firms -- family owned plumbing business Joseph J. Magnolia Inc. -- says they're out $2.98 million, according to the report, which is based on a lien filed Dec. 21.

Another firm, A&D Construction, filed a lien in November for $79,700 for wall base and crown molding work, the Post report adds.

Hillary Clinton's campaign released an ad last July highlighting a former Trump piano contractor who claims he was shorted $30,000. Other ads during her campaign accused Trump of stiffing contractors regularly.

Trump bragged that the Trump International hotel was under budget at the first presidential debate on Sept. 26, saying: "But we’re opening the Old Post Office. Under budget, ahead of schedule, saved tremendous money. I’m a year ahead of schedule. And that’s what this country should be doing."

Image via Gage Skidmore