DC Wine Bar Sues Donald Trump, Claims 'Unfair Competition'

WASHINGTON, DC — A D.C. wine bar has sued Donald Trump, claiming that the Trump International Hotel is stealing business thanks to Trump's new title as president of the United States.

Cork Wine Bar's lawsuit, announced on Thursday at the National Press Club, argues that Trump has not severed ties with his empire despite transferring management to his sons and that has given the hotel an unfair competitive advantage.

"This is an action for unfair competition in the District of Columbia brought by a local restaurant that directly competes with the Trump Old Post Office, LLC, and its owner, Donald J. Trump, in the District of Columbia marketplace," states the lawsuit. "Plaintiff seeks a court order forbidding Defendants from continuing to compete unfairly with Plaintiff in the restaurant business in the District of Business."

The suit doesn't seek monetary damages.

It's a symptom of an ongoing problem for the Trump administration, which has been dogged with complaints about ethics as Trump has repeatedly refused to fully divest from his businesses. He believes that handing over management of the business to his sons is enough, but critics say he's still enriching himself through his empire, and that can create huge conflict of interest problems. For example, recent reports indicate that some diplomats have been opting to stay in the Trump International Hotel instead of at competitor hotels in order to curry favor with the president.

"The reason for the increase in business for Defendants was the perception by many of the customers and prospective customer of the Hotel, substantially aided by marketing efforts of officers and employees of the Hotel, as well as members of the family of Defendant Donald J. Trump and others associated with him, that it would be to their advantage in their dealings with President Donald J. Trump and other agencies of the United States Government if they patronized the Hotel," the lawsuit alleges.

Cork Wine Bar is located at 1720 14th St. NW, which is a mile and a half from the hotel.

You can read Cork Wine Bar's full complaint here.

Image via Trump International Hotel