Editor,
I have researched information about both the domestic and the foreign sections of the emoluments clause. Interesting, but typically turgid with legalities.
According to Black’s Law Dictionary, an emolument is “an advantage, profit or gain received as a result of one’s holding office.”
We average citizens can understand that a person or company that wants to curry favor with the president can do so by putting money in his pocket!
Trump International Hotel has a continuing lease with the General Services Administration (violating the Domestic Emoluments Clause) and payments made by foreign governments to the Trump International Hotel violate the Foreign Emoluments Clause.
The current president did not divest himself of his holdings when he took office. Wonder why?
The Congressional Research Service: “Until recently, there had been no substantial litigation concerning the Emoluments Clauses.” That’s because no previous president has so blatantly robbed the taxpayers so openly and defiantly. Or, no previous presidents robbed us at all?
The Washington, D.C. Trump Hotel is not the only venue to be used by an unethical president.
Now, a remote Trump property in Scotland is used by the U.S. military; now, his attempt to hold next year’s G7 summit at his failing Doral property in Florida; now, the vice president’s 181-mile round trip each day on a recent visit to Ireland so that Pence could stay at one of Trump’s properties. And, there is more!
Trump’s $400,000 presidential salary is just not enough for him as he destroys legitimate and good government. We must vote him and his lackey Republicans out!
Trella Laughlin