There isn't enough evidence to prove that President Trump illegally profited from foreign visitors at his luxury hotel in Washington, an appeals court unanimously ruled on Wednesday.
The attorneys general from Maryland and D.C. filed a lawsuit alleging the president was violating anti-corruption provisions in the emoluments clauses of the U.S. Constitution. The clauses were designed to prevent undue influence on government officials, but they have never been applied in court on a sitting president.
But it turned out to be a victory for Trump after the U.S. Appeals Court for the 4th Circuit dismissed the case on the grounds that the attorneys general did not have the legal standing to bring the lawsuit. The decision also prevents several subpoenas to federal agencies and Trump's private business entities from going through. Trump is pleased, to say the least.
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It's not over for the president, however. Congressional Democrats launched a separate lawsuit which is still ongoing and the attorneys general involved said they would consider appealing for a rehearing by a full panel of the 4th Circuit. They have said they would not be surprised if the case eventually reaches the Supreme Court. Read more at The Washington Post.
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