By Liam Quinn

Almost 200 Democratic lawmakers are suing President Donald Trump over foreign money flowing into his global business empire.

A total of 196 senators and representatives are plaintiffs in a lawsuit alleging Trump is violating the so-called emoluments clause of the Constitution. 

It is to be filed early on Wednesday in US District Court for the District of Columbia, the lawmakers said.

The plaintiffs argue they have standing to sue because the clause says only Congress may approve foreign gifts and payments.

Almost 200 Democratic lawmakers are suing President Donald Trump over foreign money flowing into his global business empire. Trump is pictured on Tuesday in Wisconsin

‘The framers gave Congress a unique role, a unique right and responsibility,’ Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal said.

Although Trump turned over control of his real estate development, management and marketing company to his adult sons and a senior executive, he did not divest from it. 

That means he stands to benefit financially from the Trump Organization’s profits, including from foreign governments.

Since he has become president, the Trump Organization has secured dozens of potentially valuable patents, including in China, and collected fees from lobbyists working for Saudi Arabia and other countries using his properties.

The new suit – the third of its kind – said the full scope of foreign payments to the Trump Organization cannot be known because the president has not made public his tax returns.

Earlier this week, two Democratic attorneys general filed a similar claim. Days after Trump’s inauguration in January, a liberal-funded government watchdog filed an emoluments lawsuit.