Earlier this year, U.S. District Judge Peter J. Messitte ruled that the historic case could proceed, opening the door for the plaintiffs to seek internal records from Trump’s hotel in downtown Washington. “Plaintiffs are now poised to attempt to conduct civil discovery against the sitting President, in his official capacity, which necessarily would be a distraction,” Justice Department attorneys wrote in the 36-page filing. In July, Messitte rejected the Justice Department’s interpretation that the Constitution’s framers meant to bar presidents from taking bribes and outright gifts. The Trump Organization, which the president still owns, has given few details about its transactions with foreign governments. But at least five foreign governments held events or booked large blocks of rooms at Trump’s D.C. hotel.

Source: Washington Post August 17, 2018 22:41 UTC