State removes post highlighting Trump Mar-a-Lago resort

A State Department website has removed a blog post about President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort following criticism over ethical concerns.

The blog, initially posted on ShareAmerica, a State Department platform used for sharing what it describes as “compelling stories,” detailed the history of Trump’s “Winter White House.” 

It immediately led to concerns that the U.S. government was promoting Trump’s private resort. 

{mosads}“The intention of the article was to inform the public about where the President has been hosting world leaders,” the web page now reads. “We regret any misperception and have removed the post.”

Ethics groups have warned about the potential conflict of interest presented by the private Florida resort.

Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) tweeted at the State Department on Monday, asking, “Why are taxpayer [dollars] promoting the President’s private country club?”

Yes, I am curious @StateDept. Why are taxpayer $$ promoting the President’s private country club? pic.twitter.com/IlPhUlvMwa

— Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) April 24, 2017

CNN’s Jake Tapper called the post a “shameless” promotion.

“Well, they’re just shamelessly promoting his products on U.S. government, taxpayer-financed websites. And we know that Mar-a-Lago has benefited from President Trump being elected president,” he said on CNN’s “The Lead” on Monday.

The blog post was still live on the site for the State Department’s embassy and consulates in the United Kingdom as of Monday evening.