Emoluments Clause
on Saturday, January 7, 2017Article I, Section 9 of the U.S. Constitution requires immediate divesting of financial and business interests by any president. Article I, Section 9 of the U.S. Constitution reads:
“No Person holding any Office of Profit of Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept any pre-sent, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State –U.S. Constitution: Art. I, Sec. 9, Clause 8” — Emoluments Clause
The passage is referring to the Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution. Article I, Section 9, Clause 8 prohibits the President and other federal office holders from accepting gifts, payment, or other benefits known as “emoluments” from foreign states without the consent of Congress. The clause is meant to prevent foreign governments from influencing or corrupting federal officials. It reflects concerns that foreign gifts could undermine the President’s independence and loyalty to the United States.
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