Mocobizscene- As they left their winter meeting at the Waldorf Astoria in downtown Washington, members of President Joe Biden’s national finance committee couldn’t hide their excitement.
Until last year, the luxurious hotel belonged to the real-estate empire of former President Donald Trump. No Democratic official would even consider visiting. However, due to financial difficulties after Trump’s departure, the former president sold his lease on the Old Post Office Building, and the hotel underwent a rebranding as a Waldorf Astoria. Now, staying at the hotel has become a way for the Democratic elite to express their opposition towards the former president.
Democratic donors, staffers, and lawmakers have frequented The Bazaar for various events and occasions. They have organized fundraisers and holiday parties, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the venue. They have also found solace in the hotel bar, where the television screens have diversified their programming options. Additionally, they have relished in dining experiences at Sushi Nakazawa and, if fortunate enough to secure a reservation, have indulged in afternoon tea within the hotel’s magnificent atrium.
As the hotel underwent a transformation this week, it became an unofficial headquarters for Biden’s affluent backers. It was a stark contrast to the past, where Trump, Rudy Giuliani, and other MAGA figures enjoyed shrimp cocktails and well-done steaks at BLT Prime.
Chip Forrester, a member of the Biden finance committee who attended the Thursday meeting, described the scene as “We’ve turned Trump Tower blue.”
As Jeffrey Katzenberg, co-chair of the Biden campaign, settled at a table in The Bazaar on Thursday, he gathered with Rufus Gifford, the finance chair, and other Biden aides. Meanwhile, Donna Brazile, former chair of the Democratic National Committee, engaged in a lively conversation with Jaime Harrison, the current DNC chair, on the opposite side of the lobby. Michael Regan, the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, relaxed in a comfortable leather wingback chair. Donors proudly displayed their Biden finance committee name tags throughout the hotel, wearing them as a symbol of pride and support.
Another attendee of the finance meeting noted that it was hard to ignore the fact that a few years back, this very place was filled with fervent supporters of Trump.
The Biden Victory Fund National Finance Committee recently gathered in Washington, D.C., at the Salamander hotel. According to a reliable source, the choice of the Waldorf Astoria for this week’s meeting was not intended as a political statement. Rather, it was due to the limited availability of high-end hotels in the area with spacious meeting rooms.
Donors thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to socialize in the hallways that were once occupied by their primary political adversary and found great pleasure in dining at Andrés’ restaurant. Andrés made headlines in 2015 when he engaged in a highly-publicized legal dispute with then-candidate Trump. The dispute arose when Andrés decided to cancel his plans to open a high-end restaurant in the hotel due to Trump’s controversial anti-immigrant remarks.
Andrés’ food is known for its genuine deliciousness, with the conch fritters being a particular favorite. It’s not just wealthy Democratic donors who enjoy dining there – even the Obamas were spotted at the restaurant two weeks ago, and Lin-Manuel Miranda had a meal there before the 2023 Kennedy Center Honors. Second gentleman Doug Emhoff considers it a favorite, and other prominent figures such as White House chief of staff Jeff Zients, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, and Biden campaign manager Julie Chávez Rodríguez have also been seen enjoying meals at Andrés’.
According to Kevin Munoz, a spokesperson for the Biden campaign, many people appreciate the fact that the hotel is not owned by Donald Trump.
When it comes to the former social hub for the Trump White House, Democrats have certainly made their mark. However, they have also come to realize that completely erasing all traces of the former president is not entirely possible. Every now and then, tourists wearing MAGA hats make their way inside, hoping to catch a glimpse of the place where Trump officials once spent their time. Additionally, some Biden donors have pointed out that the decor still carries a distinct Trumpian flair.
Forrester shared that some donors jokingly expressed their desire to tone down the opulence of the gold leaf decorations. However, they quickly followed up by acknowledging that the extravagant elements now belong to them.
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