Trump hits DC for hotel ribbon cutting

ajc.com

Credit: Jamie Dupree

Credit: Jamie Dupree

Donald Trump buzzed into the nation's capital on Wednesday for a few hours, helping to launch the grand opening of his new hotel that sits just five blocks from the White House, where he hopes to take up residence next January.

"With the notable exception of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, this is the most coveted piece of real estate in Washington, D.C.," Trump said, as he said his renovation of the Old Post Office Pavilion is a metaphor for what he wants to do nationwide.

"My theme today is five words, "under budget" and "ahead of schedule," that's what we did," Trump said to applause from a small group of invited guests.

While the event was a ribbon-cutting, Trump made sure to work some lines from his stump speech into the gathering.

"Obamacare is in free fall, with premiums going up massively," as Trump labeled the health care changes made by President Obama as, "unaffordable, unusable."

Trump also singled out former House Speaker Newt Gingrich in the crowd, and complimented him on his television showdown last night with Megyn Kelly of Fox News.

"Congratulations, Newt on last night; that was an amazing interview," Trump said.

"We don't play games," Trump added.

Trump's next stop is a pair of rallies later today in North Carolina.