The attorneys generals of Washington, D.C., and Maryland plan to sue President Trump on Monday, claiming he has violated the Constitution by accepting foreign money through his businesses since he moved to the White House.
According to CNN, D.C. Attorney General Karl A. Racine and Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh, both Democrats, will charge Trump has violated the Constitution’s Emoluments Clause, which prohibits the president from accepting payments from foreign governments without the consent of Congress.
The Washington Post, which received a copy of the lawsuit, says the suit alleges “unprecedented constitutional violations” by Trump, centered around the fact he has continued to retain ownership of his company since becoming president.
“Fundamental to a President’s fidelity to [faithfully execute his oath of office] is the Constitution’s demand that the President … disentangle his private finances from those of domestic and foreign powers,” the suit states, according to The Washington Post. “Never before has a President acted with such disregard for this constitutional prescription.”
As part of the lawsuit, Racine and Frosh will seek to uncover Trump’s tax returns. The president has refused to do so.
The Republican National Committee sharply criticized the suit, calling it “absurd” and part of an effort to “delegitimize” Trump’s presidency.
“This lawsuit brought against our president is absurd,” said Lindsay Jancek, an RNC spokeswoman. “From day one, President Trump has been committed to complete transparency and compliance with the law. The actions of the attorneys general represent the kind of partisan grandstanding voters across the country have come to despise. The American people elected President Trump to lead this country, and it is time Democrats end their efforts to delegitimize his presidency.”
The attorneys general formally announced the suit, filed in federal court in Maryland, during a noon press conference in Washington.
