Democratic lawmakers in the United States have put forward a bill aimed at preventing the president and other top officials from accepting payments from foreign governments while in office, specifically targeting Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. The bill, which faces challenges passing the Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives ahead of the Nov. 5 election, aims to reinforce compliance with the Constitution’s “Emoluments Clause.”
In January, House Oversight Committee Democrats released a report revealing that businesses associated with former President Trump received at least $7.8 million in foreign payments from 20 countries over his four years in the White House.
Senator Richard Blumenthal and Representative Jamie Raskin, who introduced the bill, stressed the need for clear regulations to uphold the Constitution’s anti-corruption provisions, citing Trump’s alleged acceptance of illegal foreign payments and benefits.
The proposed legislation seeks to prevent high-ranking officials, including members of Congress, from directly or indirectly receiving payments from foreign governments through businesses under their control. It also establishes penalties for unauthorized acceptance of such payments. The ban would be in place for two years after leaving office unless Congress grants an exception.
Unlike past presidents, Trump did not divest from his businesses or create a blind trust upon assuming office. Instead, he delegated management of his companies to his adult sons.
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