Trump will face lawsuit over ‘improper profit’ from hotel
A JUDGE has rejected Donald Trump’s bid to dismiss a lawsuit accusing him of violating the US constitution by profiting from his hotel in Washington.
The President is accused of breaching the “emoluments” clause, which prohibits the receipt of gifts without congressional approval.
Trump’s lawyers have said the lawsuit claims are speculative. The case centres on payments made by foreign governments whose officials use Trump International Hotel. Judge Peter J. Messitte ruled the states of Maryland and the District of Columbia had demonstrated Trump’s ownership of the hotel could have an unlawful effect on competition. The states’ attorney generals can now challenge whether Trump is improperly profiting. The President has said his business arrangements are legal and not a conflict of interest.