Trump’s hotel

As noted in the Washington Post last month: President Trump recently released financial disclosure forms which “show that the Trump International Hotel produced $41 million in revenue, which, according to CNN, brings to more than $80 million the total amount he has made from the property during his presidency. The hotel accounted for almost a tenth of his company’s revenue last year. High demand on the part of Republicans, lobbyists and foreign governments helps explain the hotel’s success. T-Mobile executives spent nearly $200,000 there as they sought approval for a merger with Sprint. A variety of foreign countries have held events at Trump International. The Trump Organization says it donates all the profits it makes from foreign governments. But the president, who has refused to divest from his company, undoubtedly still benefits from high, price-driving demand at his landmark property, not to mention the profits domestic lobbyists produce. For those seeking to influence the Trump administration, padding the president’s wallet with conspicuous spending at his hotel must seem like a viable strategy.”

But could a man apparently worth billions be influenced by a mere $200,000? When reading this story I was reminded of a study  from 2016 on the impact on prescription writing of pharma companies buying meals for doctors. One of the results was stunning: “As compared with the receipt of no industry-sponsored meals, we found that receipt of a single industry-sponsored meal, with a mean value of less than $20, was associated with prescription of the promoted brand-name drug at significantly higher rates to Medicare beneficiaries.” (Emphasis added.)

The last (for now) word on this subject goes to this timeless exchange: George Bernard Shaw: Madam, would you sleep with me for a million pounds? Actress: My goodness, Well, I’d certainly think about it. Shaw: Would you sleep with me for a pound? Actress: Certainly not! What kind of woman do you think I am?! Shaw: Madam, we’ve already established that. Now we are haggling about the price.