>> reporter: trump was on pressure for violating the rules saying the president can't profit off government work or foreign nationals who would have stayed at doral. the president said that wouldn't have been a problem. >> but i was willing to do this for free. and they -- it would have been the greatest g7 ever. >> but one trump critic who is an expert on government ethics still isn't giving trump a pass for reversing course on doral. critics point out foreign dignitaries are still flocking to trump properties. more than 110 officials from nearly 60 foreign governments have been spotted at trump hotels, golf courses and other properties since 2017. according to "the new york times," and a prominent watchdog group. >> the concern is there to influence the president or stay in good stead with him. >> reporter: and even in conceding the defeat, the president was still promoting the resort. >> it is a beautiful place. it is new and totally rebuilt. everything is good. massive meeting rooms. >> reporter: trump biographers say the trump brand especially