OTHER VIEWS: Evidence against President Trump seems thin
Theodore Kupfer, National Review:
“Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington ... filed suit against President Trump on Jan. 23 for violating the foreign-emoluments clause of the Constitution. ... Oral arguments in the case were held on Oct. 18. ... The evidence upon which the plaintiffs base their claim to standing seems thinner than they led the court to believe. Yes, Trump is historically unpopular and has byzantine business interests. But these are not reasons to cast honesty aside in an effort to take him down.”
Steve Mollman, Quartz:
“On his recently completed trip through Asia, Trump boasted about having a great relationship with at least three heads of state. ... Given his properties, it’s often in Trump’s self-interest to maintain a ‘great relationship’ with the political elite in foreign countries — and to brush aside human rights violations or democracy-eroding power grabs taking place under their watch. ... Judging by his power networking in Asia and elsewhere, he’ll profit from it well after he leaves office.”
Jake Wood, The (University of Richmond) Collegian:
“The most glaring threat to the nature of American democracy is not the man that sits behind the desk in the Oval Office — it’s the sport that holds a special place in that man’s heart: golf. ... In a fascinating and creative use of social media and golf handicap websites, USA TODAY was able to find the names of 4,500 members of Trump golf clubs (the member lists are secret). The investigation showed the members of clubs in Florida and New Jersey ‘include at least 50 executives whose companies hold federal contracts and 21 lobbyists and trade group officials.’ ... Two-thirds of the members have played golf on one of the days that Trump was at the same resort. ... These people aren’t just paying $200,000 membership fees for access to a quality golf course. Quality golf courses can be found for much cheaper. These members are paying for exclusive access to the leader of the free world.”