U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner is set to attend a “Save the Senate Retreat” in Washington D.C. Thursday at the Trump Hotel, featuring the president himself, Senate leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), and others.
But it looks like Thursday won’t be the first time this year that Gardner has dined at Trump’s DC property.
Back on June 21, Gardner’s campaign dropped $600 at the hotel restaurant, called BLT Prime, according to campaign information compiled by OpenSecrets.org. More Gardner cash was spent at the Trump restaurant in July.
Gardner’s campaign didn’t return a call seeking to know the cost of the menu items selected–or the guest list.
But the Trump Hotel appears to have a history of jacking up the prices on GOP guests.
Rates for the least expensive rooms on Thursday night, when the “Save the Senate Retreat” takes place, are about three times higher (about $1,400 per room) than the normal rate (about $500).
Money flows from Trump to Gardner, as well. Trump sent a fundraising letter last week for Republican senators who condemned the impeachment inquiry.