A Washington bar lost its case against President Trump and Trump International Hotel, in what it alleged was unfair competition because the president could use his position to increase business at the luxury hotel located blocks from the White House.
U.S. District Court Judge Richard Leon dismissed the lawsuit brought last year by Cork Wine Bar on Monday. Co-owners Khalid Pitts, who has described himself as an advocate for liberal values, and Diane Gross, argued that by hosting foreign dignitaries and by personally appearing at his hotel, Trump was unfairly attracting customers who would otherwise consider their establishment.
Leon, however, said that a ruling in favor of the bar would be “condemning a wide swath of legitimate business conduct” and that using the White House to promote a family business didn’t violate Washington’s common law ban on unfair competition.
“I would be foreclosing all manner of prominent people — from pop singers to celebrity chefs to professional athletes — from taking equity in the companies they promote. Indeed, I would be reading the ‘unfair’ right out of ‘unfair’ competition. This I cannot do!” he said.
Leon said Cork Wine Bar did not allege any direct wrongdoing against the 14th Street establishment, such as obstructing access to the bar or intimidating customers or employees.
Pitts said they planned on appealing the ruling.
[Opinion: Frivolous or not, emoluments case is a reminder of Trump’s unacceptable conflicts]
.@OConnellPostbiz – Judge Leon’s decision was that “Unfair Competition” is not the proper vehicle to address Trump’s abusive of power, and we respectfully disagree and will be making our arguments through the appellate process. #corkdc
— Khalid Pitts (@KhalidPitts) November 26, 2018
