The idea is that certain entities, corporations or governments, block massive numbers of rooms, pay for them, then do not use them, presumably to curry favor with the President.

As U.S. policy currently stands, this is perfectly legal.

• As I have pointed out before, Trump would be considered corrupt if Mohammad bin Salman handed him a check for five billion dollars, but …
• If Eric Trump opens up a lemonade stand, puts up a sign that says “Lemonade, Five Billion Dollars per Cup,” and bin Salman buys a cup, that is completely legal.

For now.

Granted, it is ridiculous that such a thing is legal, but that is the current ruling. Several lawsuits are currently challenging that position, and are slowly making their way through the courts.

The idea is that certain entities, corporations or governments, block massive numbers of rooms, pay for them, then do not use them, presumably to curry favor with the President.

As U.S. policy currently stands, this is perfectly legal.

• As I have pointed out before, Trump would be considered corrupt if Mohammad bin Salman handed him a check for five billion dollars, but …
• If Eric Trump opens up a lemonade stand, puts up a sign that says “Lemonade, Five Billion Dollars per Cup,” and bin Salman buys a cup, that is completely legal.

For now.

Granted, it is ridiculous that such a thing is legal, but that is the current ruling. Several lawsuits are currently challenging that position, and are slowly making their way through the courts.