Donald Trump's luxury hotel and tower in Chicago has failed a recent health inspection, with official reports citing insects in the bar area and numerous unsanitary appliances throughout the property. The Trump International Hotel & Tower, a premier luxury establishment boasting world-class amenities, received multiple citations from the Chicago Department of Public Health during an unannounced inspection on December 17.
Inspection Findings Reveal Multiple Violations
According to inspection records obtained by media outlets, health investigators discovered several small insects crawling throughout the bar and dish areas of the hotel. The report specifically noted "more than 10 small flies throughout the bar area and three small flies in the dish area," creating significant sanitation concerns in what is marketed as a five-star luxury property.
Kitchen and Restaurant Issues Documented
The health inspection identified multiple problems in the main kitchen, room service operations, and the hotel's upscale Terrace 16 restaurant. Investigators reported wastewater draining onto the floor near the kitchen's preparation sink and a dishwashing machine that "was not properly sanitizing" equipment. Additionally, perishable foods were being stored at dangerously warm temperatures ranging from 46 to 53 degrees Fahrenheit, well above the USDA recommended maximum of 40 degrees for safe refrigeration.
Further violations at Terrace 16 restaurant included shellfish missing expiration dates and use-by labels, debris accumulation under sinks, and built-up grime in preparation coolers. Even the ice machine lid was found to be cracked, contributing to a total of six documented issues during the inspection. Despite these findings, the restaurant continues to advertise itself as "an unforgettable dining experience" with breathtaking views of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan.
Historical Pattern of Inspection Failures
This is not the first time the restaurant within Trump's Chicago hotel has encountered health inspection problems. Since opening in 2009, the establishment has reportedly failed multiple health inspections. In January 2024, records indicated that chefs were reusing oyster shells as dishes after running them through the dishwasher, while more than twenty "small black flying insects" were observed in the bar and kitchen areas during that inspection.
Reinspection and Regulatory Context
The property was reinspected one week after the December violation and passed with satisfactory results. Chicago hotels and restaurants regularly undergo unannounced health inspections based on their designated "risk level," with priority violations including improper food temperatures and insect infestations potentially leading to immediate closure and food license suspension according to Chicago Health Department protocols.
Irony of Trump's Germaphobe Reputation
The inspection findings present particular irony given Donald Trump's well-documented reputation as a germaphobe. The former president has described handshaking as "barbaric" due to bacterial transmission concerns, and staff members have reported his frequent use of hand sanitizer after social engagements. Trump has also been known to request that Oval Office visitors wash their hands before meetings during his presidency.
The Daily Mail has contacted both the Trump Organization and Chicago Health Department for comment regarding the recent inspection findings. The Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago continues to operate as a luxury destination despite these documented sanitation issues, highlighting the ongoing challenges of maintaining health standards in high-volume hospitality establishments.
