Could the Trump Tower come falling down?
Attorneys General of the District of Columbia and Maryland are looking to stop the growth of Donald Trump-related properties and force him to make the choice that he doesn’t want to make; Trump Tower or the White House.
The lawsuit against the President is four-fold and adds fuel to the fire of a legal fight over Trump’s refusal to liquidate domestic and foreign holdings, which put him in violation of the Constitution.
Firstly, the suit broadens the list of holdings which run afoul of the foreign emoluments provision. This provision means Trump cannot receive a present, title, or fee while in office, from any King, Prince or foreign state.
This would also mean that Trump’s International Hotel, Trump Tower and Trump World Tower – as well as the licensing of The Apprentice to a British TV network owned by the Government – would all come under breach of this rule.
The lawsuit goes on to investigate the emoluments provision further which, according to The Independent, hasn’t been emphasised much in public debate and/or other litigation but could be a crucial aspect to the lawsuit.
It also adds that Trump’s title of President gives him an unfair market advantage over competitors, meaning he gets better brand exposure because of his role.
Finally, the suit states that entities protected by the Constitution are being potentially harmed not only by unfair competition but also because Trump can now extract ‘concessions, tax breaks, variances and regulatory waivers’ on his business.
This new lawsuit against the President may force him to give up financial records that he has been adamant to keep private and he may be presented with an ultimatum which could see the end of his business affairs.
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