Arbitrator rules against Trump Organization in Panama hotel dispute

An international arbitration court ruled Tuesday night against the Trump Organization’s attempt to regain control of a luxury property in Panama following a dispute with the building’s owners.

Univision reported that the Trump Organization sought an emergency court order to put it back in charge of a hotel-condominium complex. Earlier this month, the Trump team was evicted from the property and the Trump name was taken off the building.

On Tuesday, an arbitrator for the International Chamber of Commerce upheld the building owners’ claim to the space, ruling that the Trump team did not meet the standard for regaining control.

{mosads}Though it no longer manages the property, the Trump Organization still has 12 years left on its management contract in Panama, Univision reported.

The majority owner of the hotel had been fighting to oust the Trump Organization for months, claiming it mismanaged the property for years. However, Trump employees and security staff refused to give up physical control of the hotel.

The dispute prompted a 12-day legal standoff that frequently resulted in clashes between rival security forces, and at one point saw Trump staff allegedly shredding documents and setting up shop in the lobby.

In early March, the building’s owners were escorted into the hotel by police and judicial officials, who ordered the Trump Organization to vacate the premises that day. Photos of the Trump name being physically removed from the site went viral shortly thereafter.

After winning the 2016 election, President Trump handed over control of the Trump Organization to his sons, Donald Jr. and Eric Trump.