Trump Organization Donates Foreign Profits To Treasury, But Won't Say Who Paid Them

What’s the story?

Concerns about emoluments, or the requirement for presidents not to accept gifts or payments from foreign governments, have dogged President Trump from the beginning of his presidency. In response, the Trump organization committed to donating all profits derived from business with foreign entities to the Treasury Department.

On Monday the Trump organization announced that they had made their first donation, based on "foreign government patronage" for 2017. However, according to the Washington Post, the organization declined to answer questions about details of the donation.

• How much was donated?

• Which foreign entities paid Trump businesses?

• Which Trump properties serviced the foreign entities?

• How was the amount of profit figured?

Unlike previous presidents, who have divested from their assets upon being elected, President Trump did not. He did place his assets in a blind trust and the Trump Organization is being managed by his sons. He can withdraw money from the organization at any time.

In a case concerning emoluments currently in front of the U.S. District Court in Maryland, one of several in process, District of Columbia Attorney General Karl A. Racine represents the District as a plaintiff. A representative of his office stated that the donation proves President Trump is in violation of the emoluments clause:

"With this announcement, President Trump’s businesses seem to confirm that they accepted payments from foreign governments in violation of the Foreign Emoluments Clause. Whether the Trump Organization donated the proceeds from those foreign emoluments is irrelevant to our case, but we would certainly be interested in learning more about which foreign governments have paid the President."

However, two emoluments cases against the president were already dismissed in December by a federal judge, who argued that decisions about violations of the emoluments clause fall to Congress.

What do you think?

Do you think the Trump organization should answer questions about the details behind their donation, or is it enough that they made it? Are you concerned about President Trump potentially violating the emoluments clause of the Constitution or not?

Tell us in the comments what you think, then use the Take Action button to tell your reps!

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— Asha Sanaker

(Photo Credit: Pixabay / Creative Commons)