The Other Emoluents Clause

[togor]

From Article II, Section 1.

The President shall, at stated times, receive for his services, a compensation, which shall neither be increased nor diminished during the period for which he shall have been elected, and he shall not receive within that period any other emolument from the United States, or any of them.

So when the DOD or any other government agency spends money at Trump properties, it's clearly a violation. Time for all of those people who swear by the Constitution to step up.

[lyman]

does he still own the property? or did it go in a trust or to his kids?

[pmclaine]

The real problem with the paper straws liberals are imposing on us is that when you grasp them they tear so much more easily than plastic.

[togor]

How is that a paper straw? Trump is a shareholder in the enterprise. Even if someone can prove that the boys run the enterprise, that he doesn't give advice, he is still profiting from the government money flowing into his private business.

So let's flip the argument--how is Trump, Inc. receiving payments from the Federal government not a violation of the above language from Article II, Section 1? Come on, all ye Originalists out there, have a go!

PS: I did a search on Jimmy Carter. Back in March of '76, Ag. Secretary Earl Butz tried to make an issue of Carter deriving income from the family Peanut business and the $200/ton subsidies that the government was paying farmers back then. It didn't really go anywhere. Is it the same thing? There are differences. Carter wasn't running the farm, and the payments he received were indirect, through the co-op. So he was one of many peanut farmers and not being treated any different than the rest. When someone stays a Trump property, it's pretty clear where the money is going. So am I saying that the Constitution makes it hard for certain types of businessmen to become president without radically restructuring their financial affairs? Yes, I am. Is this unfair to the rich guy? No, not in the slightest. He'll still be rich, just in a different way, and he gets to be President too.

[pmclaine]

Im sure Trump sits in his office and schedules travel for everyone the .gov moves around the world in order to ensure they are staying at his properties.

If there is an impropriety Im guessing its on the part of the .mil travellers who thought it would be a lark to stay at the "bosses" place.

Pretty sure no matter where they stay Uncle Sam pays govt rate and that is it.

They would be on the hook for any costs over and above the govt rate.

[togor]

The clause has a plain meaning, does it not?

[pmclaine]

Well I guess we should elect Bernie than.

Every $ he has ever made has been provided by the tax payer so no concerns he actually can add value to the economy.

[togor]

Point made, I would say. Originalist stickling is a fair weather sport.

[pcox]

Since Trump isn't accepting a salary for serving as president, I think the taxpayer (I won't use the term "government" in this instance since the government doesn't pay, we do.") has been well reimbursed.

[togor]

Since Trump isn't accepting a salary for serving as president, I think the taxpayer (I won't use the term "government" in this instance since the government doesn't pay, we do.") has been well reimbursed.

You're clearly not a plain reading originalist.

[lyman]

follow the money,

who owns the properties now?

Trump?


his kids?

Melania?

or is it a corporation ?

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does he still own the property? or did it go in a trust or to his kids?

wait,

while some, or one, is running around waving papers in the air and worrying about others thoughts, ,,

google says

https://www.investopedia.com/updates/donald-trump-companies/

CNBC and other media outlets later reported that the president would still receive quarterly financial results for the organizations. Further, a clause in the trust holding the president's assets stipulated that he is eligible to receive "net income or principal" upon request, pending the approval of the trustees who hold control of the account. This financial situation has become a source of controversy and has raised questions regarding potential conflicts of interest.

[pmclaine]

From Daily Mail....

Looks like deals were made before Trump even became President.

Back in the day when Hillary was running 90% to win.

Donald Trump's deal with Scottish airport that sent U.S. Air Force crew to stay at his golf resort dates back to before he ran for president as total of at least 60 now revealed to have lodged since last September

Donald Trump reached a deal with the Glasgow Prestwick Airport before becoming president to direct more air traffic and tourism to the region
The airport is 20 miles away from the Trump Turnberry resort in Scotland, which Trump acquired in 2014
The Pentagon also made an arrangement in 2015 to use the airport more for refueling Air Force flights
The Defense Department also gave the airport the duty of finding accommodations for crews staying overnight during refueling trips
A new report reveals that at least four crews with a total of more than 60 service members have stayed at Trump Turnberry since last September
The stays have caught the attention of House committees investigating potential conflicts of interest between Trump and his private businesses

[togor]

Money followed.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-finance-idUSKBN14V21I

Would I remove him for this? If the GOP had this on Clinton in the 90's (say Whitewater amounted to something) I think the vote is very very close. Today for Trump? I think at this juncture the best political remedy is an election not impeachment.

But it's clear he is flouting the Constitution. Of that there is no doubt. And that is really my point. Originalism is a sham. It's like a balanced budget amendment. People like the idea until it bites them in the rear.

[pmclaine]

But the Clinton Foundation was 100 percent legit........

[togor]

But the Clinton Foundation was 100 percent legit........

Has nothing to do with Article II section 1.

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If Trump really cared about separating government business and family business, couldn't he sign an executive order instructing all departments to avoid doing business at Trump Inc. properties unless no other reasonable options exist? How hard would that be? They plaster the Trump name on everything they own.