Trump’s Perks Are Back in Spotlight as Emolument Suits Advance
- President enriches himself unconstitutionally, Democrats claim
- Suits move up appeals ladder even as House focuses on Ukraine
This article is for subscribers only.
Even as he faces impeachment over Ukraine, federal lawsuits claiming that President Donald Trump has unconstitutionally enriched himself continue to dog him. Now two of the suits have reached a crucial juncture.
A pair of U.S. appeals courts this week will consider whether to let the two “emoluments” cases go forward. The plaintiffs argue that the president is financially benefiting from foreign and domestic government officials using his properties. A ruling against Trump could open his business affairs to scrutiny just before the 2020 balloting, after he has spent much of his first term guarding them -- though only if the courts act unusually fast.