Documents obtained by Reuters reveal T-Mobile US Inc. executives spent $195,000 on hotel stays and related expenses at the Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C., since the company sought approval for its $26 billion merger with Sprint in April 2018. The expenses, disclosed in a February 2019 letter, included meeting space, catering, lodging, and other incidentals.
Democratic lawmakers Elizabeth Warren and Pramila Jayapal raised concerns about the frequent stays, alleging they could signal attempts to influence the Trump administration. The senators noted T-Mobile executives had booked at least 52 nights at the hotel since the merger announcement, a significant increase from prior usage.
T-Mobile defended the expenses, stating the Trump Hotel accounted for 14% of its total Washington-area hotel spending during the period. The company emphasized its executives' choices reflected practical considerations, with CEO John Legere citing the hotel's proximity to his office and the Department of Justice.
The Justice Department and Federal Communications Commission continue reviewing the merger, which would combine the third- and fourth-largest U.S. wireless carriers. The deal faces scrutiny over antitrust implications and potential conflicts of interest, particularly as President Trump has not fully divested from his financial interests in the hotel.
Legere and Trump had a public dispute in 2015 over a street drummer outside a Trump property, with the president criticizing T-Mobile's service. The CEO's recent letter to lawmakers highlighted his longstanding use of Trump hotels in Chicago, New York, and Washington.
Nine senators, including Warren, recently urged regulators to block the merger, citing competitive and ethical concerns. T-Mobile's federal affairs vice president stated the company trusts regulatory agencies to evaluate the deal on its merits.
