By A new report released on Thursday reveals that Donald Trump’s businesses received millions of dollars from foreign governments during his presidency, igniting controversy and accusations of constitutional violations by congressional Democrats.
According to the report compiled by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee, a total of at least $7.8 million was spent by twenty countries at various Trump-owned properties, including his hotels in Washington, D.C., and Las Vegas. Notably, China accounted for approximately $5.6 million of the total amount.
In response to these findings, Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, the top Democrat on the panel, expressed concern over Trump prioritizing his personal financial interests and the policy preferences of corrupt foreign powers over the well-being of the American public. Raskin asserted that this behavior violated not only the explicit provisions of the Constitution but also the established precedents followed by every previous Commander-in-Chief.
The emoluments clause, a constitutional provision, specifically prohibits presidents from accepting financial benefits from foreign governments without the consent of Congress.
Despite these allegations, Trump remains a leading contender for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024. However, his campaign has yet to comment on the report.
Interestingly, while House Democrats focus on scrutinizing President Joe Biden’s potential involvement in his son Hunter Biden’s foreign business dealings through an ongoing impeachment inquiry, polls indicate that Trump is currently enjoying significant support from Iowa Republicans. With less than two weeks remaining until the Iowa caucuses on Jan. 15, Trump maintains a commanding lead over his GOP rivals with a margin of over 30 points.
It is important to note that Trump’s Washington hotel was sold to an investor group in May 2022 and has since been transformed into a Waldorf Astoria establishment.
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