Congresswoman Barbara Lee, along with nearly 200 Members of Congress, have filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against President Trump, arguing that his ongoing failure to disclose his foreign business dealings violates one of the Constitution’s critical anti-corruption provisions: the Foreign Emoluments Clause.

Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement after Members of Congress held a press conference providing updates on the lawsuit:

“The Constitution is clear: any federal officeholder, including the president, must receive Congressional approval before accepting gifts or payments from any foreign entity,” she said.

“Since Donald Trump became president, foreign governments have approved Trump trademarks, many of which were previously denied or stalled in court. They have paid to stay at Trump hotels, and are currently leasing space at Trump properties.

“This is a clear violation of the Constitution. I am proud to file this suit along with my colleagues to shield our government from corruption and to uphold the Constitution.”

In the week since the lawsuit was filed, public reporting has revealed that President Trump has received additional foreign benefits – including new trademarks in China – and is brokering business deals in Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf while regional tensions escalate.

To read the lawsuit, go to www.theusconstitution.org/sites/default/files/Congress_Emoluments_Complaint_FILED.pdf

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