The New York City Department of Buildings is investigating whether Donald Trump has violated an agreement that called for Trump Tower’s atrium to remain open to the public, a spokesperson confirmed to NBC News.
The department is looking into whether the atrium was “improperly closed” to the public during Trump campaign events at the tower, spokesperson Joseph Soldevere told NBC News.
Reuters first reported the investigation.
The real estate mogul reached an agreement with New York City in 1979 that allowed him to expand the building as long as the atrium stayed open to the public for most of the day.
Austin Finan, a spokesperson for Democratic New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, said, "Despite what he may think, the rules and laws of this city apply to everybody, including Mr. Trump. Mr. Trump should honor his agreement with the city to keep the space open to the public."
Trump faces a $4,000 fine if found in violation of the deal, Soldevere said.
The Buildings Department fined Trump Tower $2,500 in 2006 and $4,000 in 2015 for putting kiosks in public space to sell merchandise. The kiosks were removed earlier this year, officials said.