A federal appeals court is set to hear arguments in a lawsuit that alleges President Donald Trump is violating the constitution by profiting off the presidency. They argue that the emoluments clause only bars payments to the president if they’re made in connection with services he provides in his official capacity. Before Trump was sued, the emoluments clause was a constitutional provision familiar mainly to constitutional scholars and law professors. Grewal said that under that definition, dignitaries renting rooms at Trump’s hotel at market rates does not violate the emoluments clause. The Trump Organization said the money represents profits from embassy parties, hotel stays and other foreign government spending at its Washington hotel and other properties.

Source: thestar March 16, 2019 13:07 UTC