Maryland judge to hear foreign payments case against Trump

A Maryland federal judge will hear arguments in a case accusing President Donald Trump of violating the Constitution by accepting payments from foreign and state governments.

Monday’s arguments before U.S. District Judge Peter Messitte will delve into the substance of the “emoluments clause” and what it means. The clause bans accepting benefits from foreign or state governments without congressional approval.

The plaintiffs, Maryland and the District of Columbia, have argued that Trump is capitalizing on the presidency and causing harm to businesses trying to compete with his Washington, D.C., hotel.

Justice Department lawyers have argued that such business activity, including hotel room stays, isn’t an emolument.

A private lawyer for Trump has argued that the lawsuit should be dismissed because the president cannot be sued.