Politico: Cut out of impeachment, emoluments crusaders plot plan B
Politico: Cut out of impeachment, emoluments crusaders plot plan B
When the House drafts articles of impeachment in the coming days, one of the original accusations of wrongdoing against President Donald Trump — that he is illegally using his office to make money — is unlikely to make the cut.
It’s a blow to lawmakers and watchdog groups who have tried for three years to get Americans to share their outrage at what they consider violations of the Constitution’s little-used emoluments clause, which forbids Trump from receiving gifts from foreign governments or money from U.S. taxpayers.
Common Cause hand-delivered a list of nine possible articles — including one outlining how Trump illicitly profited off the presidency — to all House members late last month.
“Not including expanded articles … gives a green light for future presidents that these abuses can go unpunished,” said Aaron Scherb, director of legislative affairs at Common Cause, which works closely with staff of House committees.