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The Emoluments Clause and Donald Trump’s Assets

By politicoid Nov 22 0

Constitution of The United States (We the People Banner)

Many have claimed that Donald Trump must place all of his assets in a blind trust, or else he would be violating the Emoluments Clause of the constitution. This is only half true. And it is on Congress to make a decision in the matter. What is interesting is that some have actually suggested impeachment for Trump, if he does not fully divest his assets, before taking office. But is that really necessary? It might be, if Congress does not make a decision to the contrary. 

The constitutional provision in question is Article 1, Section 9, Clause 8: “No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.”

A key phrase is “without consent of Congress.” If Congress reviews Trump’s positions and determines that he will not be subject to a conflict of interest or that his position would not be a danger to the state, and gives him permission to hold the assets himself, or divest them to a family member, then it would not be unconstitutional for him to do so. In other words, the ball is in Congress’ court on this issue, and Congress needs to stop acting like a bunch of cowards and come to a verdict.

It should fall into consideration that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was in technical violation of the Emoluments Clause. However, one could argue that a failure to impeach was an implicit okay from Congress. Given that there is also concern from many about Trump’s position, that may not fly in this case.

Tags: constitution, Donald Trump Categories: Essays

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