Donald Trump is reportedly being investigated by the New York City Department of Buildings for hosting campaign events in the atrium of his gilded Manhattan skyscraper.
Dating back to his presidential announcement last June, Trump has repeatedly held press conferences inside Trump Tower as well as interviews with major TV networks.
But the Department of Building’s enforcement unit claims it has never received a request from the billionaire’s campaign about temporarily shutting the atrium down for such events, something they are required to do per an agreement Trump reached with city officials in 1979.
“[The] Department of Building’s enforcement unit is investigating whether the atrium was improperly closed to the public,” agency spokesman Joe Soldevere told CNN.
According to CNN, Trump originally agreed to keep the atrium open to the public from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, but could make up to four requests each year to close it for special events.
“Despite what he may think, the rules and laws of this city apply to everybody, including Mr. Trump,” said a spokesperson for New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Mr. Trump should honor his agreement with the city to keep the space open to the public.”
The Trump campaign did not return the Washington Examiner’s request for comment.
