‘Trump has conflicts of interest in at least 25 countries, and it appears he’s using his presidency to maximise his profits,’ says Michigan congressman John Conyers

By Shehab Khan

Almost 200 Democratic members of the US congress are suing Donald Trump, claiming he has violated a clause of the US Constitution. 

The 196 politicians have alleged that by retaining interests in a global business empire, the US President has violated constitutional restrictions on taking gifts and benefits from foreign leaders.

The lawsuit has already drawn more congressional plaintiffs than any legal action previously taken against a president. 

Leading the legal effort was Michigan congressman John Conyers.

“Trump has conflicts of interest in at least 25 countries, and it appears he’s using his presidency to maximise his profits,” he said.

The 37-page congressional complaint contends that America’s founders were concerned that foreign powers could interfere with the country’s affairs.

They were particularly worried that “foreign states would give benefits and rewards to the nation’s chief executive to subvert his loyalty,” it says. 

As a result, they wrote the emoluments clause of the Constitution with language “both sweeping and unqualified,” it adds. 

The language of that clause is widely interpreted as prohibiting any officeholder, including the president, from accepting a gift, payment or other benefit from a foreign state without the consent of Congress.

News of the lawsuit came shortly after a poll revealed almost half of voters are in favour of Mr Trump being impeached.

A total of 47 per cent of the people surveyed would support him being removed as president, while only 43 per cent would oppose it.

“Voters have little faith that Donald Trump is telling the truth when it comes to the Russia investigation,” said Dean Debnam, President of Public Policy Polling, who conducted the survey.

“Most go so far as to say they think he is a liar.”