The bilious billionaire Donald Trump and his daughter, Ivanka, appeared at a Washington Post event Wednesday morning to discuss the Trump Organization’s forthcoming redevelopment of the Old Post Office building. Oh, and to talk about how great everything they touch turns out to be.
We could offer a dry, boring recap of the glimpses the Trumps gave of the luxury hotel they plan to build inside the Old Post Office, the contract for which they won in February 2012 after outbidding other real estate firms and private equity funds. But when dealing with people whose fame and success is so outrageously stupendous, it seems better to let these munificent titans of industry speak for themselves.
One thing worth noting in detail, though, is that the knack of speaking primarily in superlatives is apparently hereditary. Mary Jordan, the editor of Washington Post Live, at one point asked Donald Trump if he wakes up speaking in superlatives. To be fair, Ivanka Trump uses equally decadent language when talking about her projects, her father, and herself.
Donald Trump, on the Trump National Golf Club Washington D.C., in Sterling, Va.: “It’s probably now the most successful course there is.”
Donald Trump, On the D.C. real estate scene: “As of this moment, Washington is a hot place. Miami, New York, and Washington.”
Donald Trump, on the hotel’s design so far: “It will be a beautiful home run.”
Ivanka Trump, on the hotel’s fanciest rooms: “The presidential penthouse suites … will really be unrivaled.”
Donald Trump, on the refurbishment of the Old Post Office’s atrium: “The atrium will be really special. We’re going to be doing something incredible.”
Ivanka Trump, on the sweetest feeling in the world: “There’s nothing like the ribbon cutting and opening of a hotel.”
Donald Trump, on Mark Cuban: “Very much a loser.”
Donald Trump, on Dennis Rodman: “Great diplomat.”
Ivanka Trump, on her father’s comments about Mark Cuban and Dennis Rodman: “…”
Ivanka Trump, on a museum about the Old Post Office the Trumps will be adding to the building: “We’re creating an unbelievable dedicated entrance.”
Donald Trump, on the vendors who will be setting up shop inside the hotel: “The greatest restaurateurs in the world and the greatest retailers in the world.”
Donald Trump, on who is attempting to be part of the hotel project: “Everyone I know is calling me about being a part of this job.”
Ivanka Trump, on hiring local workers for the hotel’s construction and full-time operation: “High priority.”
Donald Trump, on his golf prognostication skills: “I said to Tiger, ‘Would you please win this tournament?'” (Tiger Woods won a World Golf Championships event last month at a Trump-owned course in Doral, Fla.)
Donald Trump, on the wisdom of offering $200 million to redevelop the Old Post Office: “Yeah, it was a stupid deal. I did pay a lot. I’m proud to say it.”
Donald Trump, on why he likes Ivanka: “I like iconic things. That’s why I like my daughter.”
Ivanka Trump, on whether their hotel will live up to the hype: “We look forward to overdelivering.”
Donald Trump, on just how grand the hotel will be: “It will be incredibly grand. I think we’ll have a lot of the greatest events.”
Donald Trump, on renaming the wines produced at the Kluge estate in Charlottesville, Va.: “I had a choice between Kluge and Trump. I chose Trump.”
Donald Trump, on Lydia DePillis’ question about the Height Act: “I’m generally in favor of development, and that would include height.”
Donald Trump, on Erik Wemple’s request to name the “No. 1 most irresponsible story” about him after complaining about irresponsible stories: No answer.
Donald Trump, on the success of The Apprentice: “I have to attribute its success to Donald Trump.”
Donald Trump, on his hair: “It certainly is a topic of conversation. I’ve been combing my hair this way my whole life, I work at it. It is my hair.”
