Showing posts sorted by relevance for query emoluments. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query emoluments. Sort by date Show all posts

Thursday, October 25, 2018

CONYERS v. TRUMP: DOJ Files To Certify Dismissal Of Case Violating Foreign Emolument Clause

The following is from the 9-28-2018 Order:

Accordingly, the Court finds that plaintiffs have standing to sue the President for allegedly violating the Foreign Emoluments Clause. The Court therefore DENIES IN PART the motion to dismiss and DEFERS ruling on the remaining arguments in the motion to dismiss.

The Foreign Emoluments Clause provides: No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State. U.S Const. art. I, § 9, cl. 8.  

DOJ motioned 10-22-2018 to certify the interlocutory appeal to "advance termination of the litigation" based on "difference of opinions".

The timing is impeccable considering that the DOJ OIG report has yet to be released and the 2018 General Election is 11-06-2018, which would be facts, not opinions.

The docket, complaint, motion and order are below.

SCOTUS is in play and so is John Conyers, Jr., because he was never removed as a party.

Nip It In The Bud: DOJ Moves To Fast Track Appeal In Trump Emoluments Case

Justice Department attorneys want to give one of the myriad lawsuits accusing President Trump of violating the Constitution’s emoluments clause a quick death.

In a court filing late Monday, DOJ attorneys sought permission to appeal immediately a September ruling that found nearly 200 members of Congress do have standing to sue Trump for violating the Constitution’s emoluments clause.

Government attorneys argue that allowing the appeal would “materially advance the termination of this litigation.”

“If the D.C. Circuit decides the issue in the President’s favor, this case would be dismissed, thereby avoiding the need to address Plaintiffs’ novel Foreign Emoluments Clause claim and preserving both the Court’s and the parties’ resources,” attorneys from the Justice Department’s civil division write in the filing.

U.S. District Judge Emmett Sullivan of Washington, D.C., ruled in late September that members of Congress have standing to sue Trump over the alleged emoluments violation. The members argue in their lawsuit that Trump’s receipt of gifts – through his self-branded hotel chain, foreign intellectual property rights, and The Apprentice TV licensing fees – constitute foreign governmental gifts that should be subject to congressional approval under the Constitution.

Andy Grewal, a law professor at the University of Iowa, said that “judges grant these types of requests if they can in fact speed up the end of the litigation.”

“The idea is that if you resolve this one issue, this will end quickly,” he said. “And that’s a reason to grant the request.”

Sullivan’s September ruling only rejected half of an attempt by the Trump Administration to quash the lawsuit. The judge did not rule on the other half – on whether Trump-owned companies taking money from foreign governments counts as an emolument.

Regardless, the government slammed Sullivan’s ruling as “in substantial tension” with legal precedent.

“Congress can still vote on whether to consent or to withhold consent to the President’s alleged acceptance of foreign emoluments,” government attorneys argue. “If the President’s past alleged violations cannot be adequately remedied by congressional action now, it is not clear how this Court would be in a better position to provide a remedy.”

Since Sullivan’s ruling only concerned standing and came at an early stage in the court case, the government needs permission to file an immediate appeal.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and then-Rep. John Conyers Jr. (D-MI) filed the lawsuit in June 2017, along with 194 other Democratic members of Congress.

The suit alleges that foreign governments have used Trump’s businesses to exercise influence on the executive branch. It specifically cites instances like the granting of foreign patents to Trump-owned businesses and foreign diplomats renting Trump hotel rooms en masse as examples of emoluments that were accepted without congressional approval.

“Because [Trump] has failed to come to Congress and seek its consent for at least some foreign emoluments that have been the subject of public reporting, it is impossible to know whether Defendant has also accepted, or plans to accept, other foreign emoluments that have not yet been made public,” the members alleged in the lawsuit, adding that Trump’s acceptance of the gifts had “thwarted the transparency that the ‘Consent of Congress’ provision was designed to provide.”




Date Filed#Docket Text
06/14/20171 COMPLAINT against DONALD J. TRUMP ( Filing fee $ 400 receipt number 0090-4989810) filed by NANCY PELOSI, STENY H. HOYER, KAMALA D. HARRIS, BERNARD SANDERS, CHRIS MURPHY, JOHN CONYERS, JR, TOM CARPER, RICHARD BLUMENTHAL, CATHERINE CORTEZ MASTO, CHRIS VAN HOLLEN, BENJAMIN L. CARDIN, KAREN BASS, JACK REED, JEFF MERKLEY, BRIAN SCHATZ, STEVE COHEN, KIRSTEN E. GILLIBRAND, CORY A. BOOKER, TED W. LIEU, EDWARD J. MARKEY, AL FRANKEN, RON WYDEN, JOSEPH CROWLEY, CHRISTOPHER A. COONS, ERIC SWALWELL, TED DEUTCH, MARTIN HEINRICH, HAKEEM JEFFRIES, MICHAEL F. BENNET, TIM KAINE, TOM UDALL, AMY KLOBUCHAR, JAMIE RASKIN, SHEILA JACKSON LEE, LINDA T. SANCHEZ, RICHARD J. DURBIN, SHELDON WHITEHOUSE, MAZIE K. HIRONO, HENRY C. HANK JOHNSON, JR, DAVID N. CICILLINE, MARIA CANTWELL, PATRICK LEAHY, ZOE LOFGREN, PATTY MURRAY, JAMES E. CLYBURN, CEDRIC L. RICHMOND, JERROLD NADLER, TAMMY DUCKWORTH, LUIS V. GUTIERREZ, ELIZABETH WARREN. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Summons)(Gorod, Brianne) (Entered: 06/14/2017)
06/14/20172 NOTICE of Appearance by Elizabeth Bonnie Wydra on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Wydra, Elizabeth) (Entered: 06/14/2017)
06/14/20173 NOTICE of Appearance by Brian Rene Frazelle on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Frazelle, Brian) (Entered: 06/14/2017)
06/14/20174 NOTICE of Appearance by Brianne Jenna Gorod on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Gorod, Brianne) (Entered: 06/14/2017)
06/14/2017Case Assigned to Judge Emmet G. Sullivan. (jd) (Entered: 06/14/2017)
06/14/20175 SUMMONS (1) Issued Electronically as to DONALD J. TRUMP. (Attachment: # 1 Consent Forms)(jd) (Entered: 06/14/2017)
06/14/2017SUMMONS Not Issued as to U.S. Attorney General, and U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia (jd) (Entered: 06/14/2017)
06/14/20176 REQUEST FOR SUMMONS TO ISSUE as to U.S. Attorney General filed by NANCY PELOSI, STENY H. HOYER, KAMALA D. HARRIS, BERNARD SANDERS, CHRIS MURPHY, JOHN CONYERS, JR, TOM CARPER, RICHARD BLUMENTHAL, CATHERINE CORTEZ MASTO, CHRIS VAN HOLLEN, BENJAMIN L. CARDIN, KAREN BASS, JACK REED, JEFF MERKLEY, BRIAN SCHATZ, STEVE COHEN, KIRSTEN E. GILLIBRAND, CORY A. BOOKER, TED W. LIEU, EDWARD J. MARKEY, AL FRANKEN, RON WYDEN, JOSEPH CROWLEY, CHRISTOPHER A. COONS, ERIC SWALWELL, TED DEUTCH, MARTIN HEINRICH, HAKEEM JEFFRIES, MICHAEL F. BENNET, TIM KAINE, TOM UDALL, AMY KLOBUCHAR, JAMIE RASKIN, SHEILA JACKSON LEE, LINDA T. SANCHEZ, RICHARD J. DURBIN, SHELDON WHITEHOUSE, MAZIE K. HIRONO, HENRY C. HANK JOHNSON, JR, DAVID N. CICILLINE, MARIA CANTWELL, PATRICK LEAHY, ZOE LOFGREN, PATTY MURRAY, JAMES E. CLYBURN, CEDRIC L. RICHMOND, JERROLD NADLER, TAMMY DUCKWORTH, LUIS V. GUTIERREZ, ELIZABETH WARREN.(Frazelle, Brian) (Entered: 06/14/2017)
06/14/20177 REQUEST FOR SUMMONS TO ISSUE as to U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia filed by NANCY PELOSI, STENY H. HOYER, KAMALA D. HARRIS, BERNARD SANDERS, CHRIS MURPHY, JOHN CONYERS, JR, TOM CARPER, RICHARD BLUMENTHAL, CATHERINE CORTEZ MASTO, CHRIS VAN HOLLEN, BENJAMIN L. CARDIN, KAREN BASS, JACK REED, JEFF MERKLEY, BRIAN SCHATZ, STEVE COHEN, KIRSTEN E. GILLIBRAND, CORY A. BOOKER, TED W. LIEU, EDWARD J. MARKEY, AL FRANKEN, RON WYDEN, JOSEPH CROWLEY, CHRISTOPHER A. COONS, ERIC SWALWELL, TED DEUTCH, MARTIN HEINRICH, HAKEEM JEFFRIES, MICHAEL F. BENNET, TIM KAINE, TOM UDALL, AMY KLOBUCHAR, JAMIE RASKIN, SHEILA JACKSON LEE, LINDA T. SANCHEZ, RICHARD J. DURBIN, SHELDON WHITEHOUSE, MAZIE K. HIRONO, HENRY C. HANK JOHNSON, JR, DAVID N. CICILLINE, MARIA CANTWELL, PATRICK LEAHY, ZOE LOFGREN, PATTY MURRAY, JAMES E. CLYBURN, CEDRIC L. RICHMOND, JERROLD NADLER, TAMMY DUCKWORTH, LUIS V. GUTIERREZ, ELIZABETH WARREN.(Frazelle, Brian) (Entered: 06/14/2017)
06/14/20178 SUMMONS (2) Issued Electronically as to U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney General (Attachment: # 1 Consent Forms)(jd) (Entered: 06/14/2017)
07/10/20179 RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed. DONALD J. TRUMP served on 6/19/2017, RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed on United States Attorney General. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney General 06/19/2017., RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed as to the United States Attorney. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney on 6/19/2017. ( Answer due for ALL FEDERAL DEFENDANTS by 8/18/2017.) (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit, # 2 Exhibit, # 3 Exhibit)(Frazelle, Brian) (Entered: 07/10/2017)
07/12/201710 NOTICE of Appearance by Jean Lin on behalf of DONALD J. TRUMP (Lin, Jean) (Entered: 07/12/2017)
07/12/201711 Joint MOTION for Extension of Time to Respond to the Complaint and for Entry of Scheduling Order by DONALD J. TRUMP (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Lin, Jean). Added MOTION for Scheduling Order on 7/13/2017 (znmw). (Entered: 07/12/2017)
07/14/201712 STANDING ORDER: The parties are directed to read the attached Standing Order Governing Civil Cases Before Judge Emmet G. Sullivan in its entirety upon receipt. The parties are hereby ORDERED to comply with the directives in the attached Standing Order. Signed by Judge Emmet G. Sullivan on 7/14/2017.(Attachments: # 1 Appendix) (lcegs1) (Entered: 07/14/2017)
07/14/2017MINUTE ORDER granting 11 Joint Motion for Extensions of Time and for Entry of Scheduling Order. The following schedule shall govern proceedings in this case: plaintiffs' first amended complaint shall be filed by no later than August 15, 2017; defendant's response to the complaint shall be filed by no later than September 15, 2017; any motion seeking leave to file an amicus curiae brief in support of defendant, with the brief attached as an exhibit, shall be filed by no later than September 22, 2017; plaintiffs' opposition to the motion to dismiss shall be filed by no later than October 26, 2017; any motion seeking leave to file an amicus curiae brief in support of plaintiffs, with the brief attached as an exhibit, shall be filed by no later than November 2, 2017; defendant's reply in support of the motion to dismiss shall be filed by no later than November 21, 2017. It is FURTHER ORDERED that the parties may file non-hyperlinked briefs in accordance with this schedule. By no later than November 28, 2017, the parties, including those seeking leave to file an amicus curiae brief, shall file E-Briefs containing hyperlinks to any cited exhibits and points and authorities. By no later than November 28, 2017, the parties, including those seeking leave to file an amicus curiae brief, shall submit to the Court two hard copies and one USB drive containing all submissions to the Court governed by this scheduling order, including points and authorities. All paper copy submissions to the Court shall include the headers added by the Case Management/Electronic Case Files (CM/ECF) System and shall be single-sided, double-spaced, use 12-point Times New Roman font, and use one inch page margins. Each set of hard copies shall be in three-ring binders, with appropriate tables of contents and tabs, and the binders shall be clearly labeled to identify the pleading therein. It is FURTHER ORDERED that by no later than November 28, 2017, the parties shall jointly submit one copy of each principal case or authority cited by any party. The points and authorities shall be in three-ring binders, with appropriate tables of contents and tabs, and the binders shall be clearly labeled to identify the contents therein. Plaintiffs' counsel is HEREBY REMINDED of Local Civil Rule 5.1(c)(1) requiring documents signed by an attorney to include the D.C. Bar identification number of the attorney, as appropriate. Signed by Judge Emmet G. Sullivan on 7/14/2017. (lcegs1) (Entered: 07/14/2017)
07/14/201713 ORDER GOVERNING THE FILING OF AMICUS CURIAE BRIEFS. Signed by Judge Emmet G. Sullivan on 7/14/2017. (lcegs1) (Entered: 07/14/2017)
07/16/2017Set/Reset Deadlines: Plaintiffs' First Amended Complaint due by 8/15/2017. Defendant's Response To The Complaint due by 09/15/2017. Motion Seeking Leave To File An Amicus Curiae Brief In Support Of Defendant, With The Brief Attached As An Exhibit due by 9/22/2017. Plaintiffs' Opposition To The Motion To Dismiss due by 10/26/2017. Motion Seeking Leave To File An Amicus Curiae Brief In Support Of Plaintiffs, With The Brief Attached As An Exhibit due by 11/02/2017. Defendant's Reply In Support Of The Motion To Dismiss due by 11/21/2017. Parties, Including Those Seeking Leave To File An Amicus Curiae Brief, Shall File E-Briefs, Containing Hyperlinks To Any cited Exhibits and Points And Authorities due by 11/28/2017. (mac) (Entered: 07/16/2017)
08/15/201714 AMENDED COMPLAINT against DONALD J. TRUMP filed by NANCY PELOSI, STENY H. HOYER, KAMALA D. HARRIS, BERNARD SANDERS, CHRIS MURPHY, JOHN CONYERS, JR, TOM CARPER, RICHARD BLUMENTHAL, CATHERINE CORTEZ MASTO, CHRIS VAN HOLLEN, BENJAMIN L. CARDIN, KAREN BASS, JACK REED, JEFF MERKLEY, BRIAN SCHATZ, STEVE COHEN, KIRSTEN E. GILLIBRAND, CORY A. BOOKER, TED W. LIEU, EDWARD J. MARKEY, AL FRANKEN, RON WYDEN, JOSEPH CROWLEY, CHRISTOPHER A. COONS, ERIC SWALWELL, TED DEUTCH, MARTIN HEINRICH, HAKEEM JEFFRIES, MICHAEL F. BENNET, TIM KAINE, TOM UDALL, AMY KLOBUCHAR, JAMIE RASKIN, SHEILA JACKSON LEE, LINDA T. SANCHEZ, RICHARD J. DURBIN, SHELDON WHITEHOUSE, MAZIE K. HIRONO, HENRY C. HANK JOHNSON, JR, DAVID N. CICILLINE, MARIA CANTWELL, PATRICK LEAHY, ZOE LOFGREN, PATTY MURRAY, JAMES E. CLYBURN, CEDRIC L. RICHMOND, JERROLD NADLER, TAMMY DUCKWORTH, LUIS V. GUTIERREZ, ELIZABETH WARREN. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Redline -- Amended Complaint)(Gorod, Brianne) (Entered: 08/15/2017)
09/15/201715 MOTION to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim by DONALD J. TRUMP (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Lin, Jean) Modified event title on 9/18/2017 (znmw). (Entered: 09/15/2017)
09/19/201716 MOTION for Leave to File Brief of Scholar Seth Barrett Tillman and Judical Education Project as Amici Curiae in Support of the Defendant by SETH BARETT TILLAN, JUDICIAL EDUCATION PROJECT (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Brief for Scholar Seth Barrett Tillman and the Judicial Education Project as Amici Curiae in Support of the Defendant, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Ray, Robert) Modified to correct filers on 9/20/2017 (znmw). (Entered: 09/19/2017)
10/26/201717 RESPONSE re 15 MOTION to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim filed by KAREN BASS, MICHAEL F. BENNET, RICHARD BLUMENTHAL, CORY A. BOOKER, MARIA CANTWELL, BENJAMIN L. CARDIN, TOM CARPER, DAVID N. CICILLINE, JAMES E. CLYBURN, STEVE COHEN, JOHN CONYERS, JR, CHRISTOPHER A. COONS, CATHERINE CORTEZ MASTO, JOSEPH CROWLEY, TED DEUTCH, TAMMY DUCKWORTH, RICHARD J. DURBIN, AL FRANKEN, KIRSTEN E. GILLIBRAND, LUIS V. GUTIERREZ, KAMALA D. HARRIS, MARTIN HEINRICH, MAZIE K. HIRONO, STENY H. HOYER, SHEILA JACKSON LEE, HAKEEM JEFFRIES, HENRY C. HANK JOHNSON, JR, TIM KAINE, AMY KLOBUCHAR, PATRICK LEAHY, TED W. LIEU, ZOE LOFGREN, EDWARD J. MARKEY, JEFF MERKLEY, CHRIS MURPHY, PATTY MURRAY, JERROLD NADLER, NANCY PELOSI, JAMIE RASKIN, JACK REED, CEDRIC L. RICHMOND, LINDA T. SANCHEZ, BERNARD SANDERS, BRIAN SCHATZ, ERIC SWALWELL, TOM UDALL, CHRIS VAN HOLLEN, ELIZABETH WARREN, SHELDON WHITEHOUSE, RON WYDEN. (Gorod, Brianne) (Entered: 10/26/2017)
11/02/201718 MOTION for Leave to File Brief Amici Curiae by MICHAEL BARNES, LEONARD BOSWELL, BARBARA BOXER, Bob Carr, TOM COLEMAN, Mickey Edwards, Lee Hamilton, Tom Harkin, GARY HART, Bob Inglis, CARL LEVIN, Brad Miller, GEORGE MILLER, PHILIP SHARP, CHRIS SHAYS, PETER SMITH, MARK UDALL, HENRY WAXMAN, DICK ZIMMER (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Donahue, Sean) (Entered: 11/02/2017)
11/02/201719 NOTICE of Appearance by Sean Hoe Donahue on behalf of MICHAEL BARNES, et al. (Donahue, Sean) (Entered: 11/02/2017)
11/02/201720 NOTICE of Appearance by Thomas C. Goldstein on behalf of DON FOX, et al. (Goldstein, Thomas) (Entered: 11/02/2017)
11/02/201721 MOTION for Leave to File Amici Curiae Brief by DON FOX, et al. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Amici Curiae Brief of Former Government Ethics Officers, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Goldstein, Thomas) (Entered: 11/02/2017)
11/02/201722 MOTION for Leave to File Amicus Curiae Brief by FORMER NATIONAL SECURITY OFFICIALS (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Amicus Curiae Brief, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Spector, Phillip) (Entered: 11/02/2017)
11/02/201723 NOTICE of Appearance by Corey William Roush on behalf of FEDERAL JURISDICTION AND CONSTITUTIONAL LAW SCHOLARS (Roush, Corey) (Entered: 11/02/2017)
11/02/201724 MOTION for Leave to File Amici Brief In Support of Plaintiffs by FEDERAL JURISDICTION AND CONSTITUTIONAL LAW SCHOLARS (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Roush, Corey) (Entered: 11/02/2017)
11/02/201725 MOTION for Leave to File Brief of Separation of Powers Scholars as Amici Curiae in Support of Plaintiffs by REBECCA L. BROWN, HAROLD H BRUFF, NEIL KINKOPF, CHRISTOPHER H. SCHROEDER, PETER M. SHANE, KEVIN M. STACK, PETER L. STRAUSS (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit, # 2 Exhibit, # 3 Text of Proposed Order)(Mapes, Katharine) (Entered: 11/02/2017)
11/02/201726 MOTION for Leave to File Brief of Amici Curiae by JED H. SHUGERMAN, JOHN MIKHAIL, JACK RAKOVE, GAUTHUM RAO, SIMON STERN (Attachments: # 1Exhibit Amici Curiae Brief, # 2 Text of Proposed Order, # 3 Certificate of Service)(Maxman, Melissa) (Entered: 11/02/2017)
11/03/201727 MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Joshua M. Blackman, :Firm- Joshua M. Blackman, :Address- 1303 San Jacinto Street, Houston, Texas 77002. Phone No. - 202-294-9003. Filing fee $ 100, receipt number 0090-5190329. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by SETH BARRETT TILLMAN (Attachments: # 1 Declaration, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Ray, Robert) (Entered: 11/03/2017)
11/21/201728 REPLY to opposition to motion re 15 MOTION to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim and for Lack of Jurisdiction filed by DONALD J. TRUMP. (Lin, Jean) (Entered: 11/21/2017)
11/26/201729 MOTION for Leave to File Amicus Curiae E-Brief with Hyperlinks by FORMER NATIONAL SECURITY OFFICIALS (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Amicus Curiae E-Brief With Hyperlinks, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Spector, Phillip) (Entered: 11/26/2017)
11/28/201730 NOTICE OF FILING HYPERLINKED E-BRIEF by KAREN BASS, MICHAEL F. BENNET, RICHARD BLUMENTHAL, CORY A. BOOKER, MARIA CANTWELL, BENJAMIN L. CARDIN, TOM CARPER, DAVID N. CICILLINE, JAMES E. CLYBURN, STEVE COHEN, JOHN CONYERS, JR, CHRISTOPHER A. COONS, CATHERINE CORTEZ MASTO, JOSEPH CROWLEY, TED DEUTCH, TAMMY DUCKWORTH, RICHARD J. DURBIN, AL FRANKEN, KIRSTEN E. GILLIBRAND, LUIS V. GUTIERREZ, KAMALA D. HARRIS, MARTIN HEINRICH, MAZIE K. HIRONO, STENY H. HOYER, SHEILA JACKSON LEE, HAKEEM JEFFRIES, HENRY C. HANK JOHNSON, JR, TIM KAINE, AMY KLOBUCHAR, PATRICK LEAHY, TED W. LIEU, ZOE LOFGREN, EDWARD J. MARKEY, JEFF MERKLEY, CHRIS MURPHY, PATTY MURRAY, JERROLD NADLER, NANCY PELOSI, JAMIE RASKIN, JACK REED, CEDRIC L. RICHMOND, LINDA T. SANCHEZ, BERNARD SANDERS, BRIAN SCHATZ, ERIC SWALWELL, TOM UDALL, CHRIS VAN HOLLEN, ELIZABETH WARREN, SHELDON WHITEHOUSE, RON WYDEN (Gorod, Brianne) (Entered: 11/28/2017)
11/28/201731 MOTION for Leave to File Amicus Curiae Hyperlinked E-Brief by DON FOX, MARILYN GLYNN, KAREN KUCIK, LAWRENCE R. REYNOLDS, AMY COMSTOCK RICK, TRIP ROTHSCHILD, WALTER SHAUB, RICHARD M. THOMAS, KATHLEEN WHALEN, HARVEY WILCOX, LESLIE WILCOX (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Amicus Curiae Hyperlinked E-Brief, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Goldstein, Thomas) (Entered: 11/28/2017)
11/28/201732 NOTICE OF FILING HYPERLINKED BRIEF OF AMICI CURIAE by JOHN MIKHAIL, JACK RAKOVE, GAUTHAM RAO, JED H. SHUGERMAN, SIMON STERN re 26 MOTION for Leave to File Brief of Amici Curiae (Maxman, Melissa) (Main Document 32 replaced on 11/29/2017) (znmw). (Entered: 11/28/2017)
11/28/201733 NOTICE by REBECCA L. BROWN, HAROLD H. BRUFF, NEIL KINKOPF, CHRISTOPHER H. SCHROEDER, PETER M. SHANE, KEVIN M. STACK, PETER L. STRAUSS (Mapes, Katharine) (Entered: 11/28/2017)
11/28/201734 NOTICE of Filing Hyperlinked E-Brief by FEDERAL JURISDICTION AND CONSTITUTIONAL LAW SCHOLARS re 24 MOTION for Leave to File Amici Brief In Support of Plaintiffs (Roush, Corey) (Entered: 11/28/2017)
11/28/201735 NOTICE of Filing by DONALD J. TRUMP (Lin, Jean) (Entered: 11/28/2017)
11/28/201736 NOTICE of Filing Hyperlinked E-Brief by JUDICIAL EDUCATION PROJECT, SETH BARRETT TILLMAN (Ray, Robert) (Additional attachment(s) added on 11/29/2017: # 1 Hyperlinked Brief, # 2 Request Notice) (znmw). (Entered: 11/28/2017)
11/28/201737 NOTICE by MICHAEL BARNES (Donahue, Sean) (Entered: 11/28/2017)
12/22/201738 NOTICE OF SUPPLEMENTAL AUTHORITY by DONALD J. TRUMP (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Lin, Jean) (Entered: 12/22/2017)
03/06/2018MINUTE ORDER granting 16 MOTION for Leave to File Brief of Scholar Seth Barrett Tillman and Judical Education Project as Amici Curiae in Support of the Defendant. Signed by Judge Emmet G. Sullivan on 3/6/2018. (lcegs1) (Entered: 03/06/2018)
03/06/2018MINUTE ORDER granting 18 MOTION for Leave to File Brief Amici Curiae by MICHAEL BARNES, LEONARD BOSWELL, BARBARA BOXER, Bob Carr, TOM COLEMAN, Mickey Edwards, Lee Hamilton, Tom Harkin, GARY HART, Bob Inglis, CARL LEVIN, Brad Miller, GEORGE MILLER, PHILIP SHARP, CHRIS SHAYS, PETER SMITH, MARK UDALL, HENRY WAXMAN, DICK ZIMMER. Signed by Judge Emmet G. Sullivan on 3//2018. (lcegs1) (Entered: 03/06/2018)
03/06/2018MINUTE ORDER granting 21 MOTION for Leave to File Amici Curiae Brief by DON FOX, et al. Signed by Judge Emmet G. Sullivan on 3/6/2018. (lcegs1) (Entered: 03/06/2018)
03/06/2018MINUTE ORDER granting 22 MOTION for Leave to File Amicus Curiae Brief by FORMER NATIONAL SECURITY OFFICIALS. Signed by Judge Emmet G. Sullivan on 3/6/2018. (lcegs1) (Entered: 03/06/2018)
03/06/2018MINUTE ORDER granting 24 MOTION for Leave to File Amici Brief In Support of Plaintiffs by FEDERAL JURISDICTION AND CONSTITUTIONAL LAW SCHOLARS. Signed by Judge Emmet G. Sullivan on 3/6/2018. (lcegs1) (Entered: 03/06/2018)
03/06/2018MINUTE ORDER granting 25 MOTION for Leave to File Brief of Separation of Powers Scholars as Amici Curiae in Support of Plaintiffs by REBECCA L. BROWN, HAROLD H BRUFF, NEIL KINKOPF, CHRISTOPHER H. SCHROEDER, PETER M. SHANE, KEVIN M. STACK, PETER L. STRAUSS. Signed by Judge Emmet G. Sullivan on 3/6/2018. (lcegs1) (Entered: 03/06/2018)
03/06/201839 MINUTE ORDER granting 26 MOTION for Leave to File Brief of Amici Curiae by JED H. SHUGERMAN, JOHN MIKHAIL, JACK RAKOVE, GAUTHUM RAO, SIMON STERN.Signed by Judge Emmet G. Sullivan on 3/6/2018. (lcegs1) (Entered: 03/06/2018)
03/06/2018MINUTE ORDER granting 27 MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Joshua M. Blackman, Esq. is admitted pro hac vice in this proceeding. Signed by Judge Emmet G. Sullivan on 3/6/2018. (lcegs1) (Entered: 03/06/2018)
03/06/2018MINUTE ORDER granting 29 MOTION for Leave to File Amicus Curiae E-Brief with Hyperlinks by FORMER NATIONAL SECURITY OFFICIALS. Signed by Judge Emmet G. Sullivan on 3/6/2018. (lcegs1) (Entered: 03/06/2018)
03/06/2018MINUTE ORDER granting 31 MOTION for Leave to File Amicus Curiae Hyperlinked E-Brief by DON FOX, MARILYN GLYNN, KAREN KUCIK, LAWRENCE R. REYNOLDS, AMY COMSTOCK RICK, TRIP ROTHSCHILD, WALTER SHAUB, RICHARD M. THOMAS, KATHLEEN WHALEN, HARVEY WILCOX, LESLIE WILCOX. Signed by Judge Emmet G. Sullivan on 3/6/2018. (lcegs1) (Entered: 03/06/2018)
03/06/2018MINUTE ORDER. The Court sua sponte schedules a motion hearing to hear oral argument on 15 motion to dismiss in this proceeding. The motion hearing shall take place on June 7, 2018 at 10:00 am in Courtroom 20. Signed by Judge Emmet G. Sullivan on 3/6/2018. (lcegs1) (Entered: 03/06/2018)
03/06/2018Set/Reset Hearings: Motion Hearing set for 6/7/2018 at 10:00 AM in Ceremonial Courtroom before Judge Emmet G. Sullivan. (mac) (Entered: 03/06/2018)
03/06/201840 AMICUS BRIEF by JUDICIAL EDUCATION PROJECT, SETH BARRETT TILLMAN. (jf) (Entered: 03/08/2018)
03/06/201841 AMICUS BRIEF by MICHAEL BARNES, LEONARD BOSWELL, BARBARA BOXER, BOB CARR, TOM COLEMAN, MICKEY EDWARDS, LEE HAMILTON, TOM HARKIN, GARY HART, BOB INGLIS, CARL LEVIN, BRAD MILLER, GEORGE MILLER, PHILIP SHARP, CHRIS SHAYS, PETER SMITH, MARK UDALL, HENRY WAXMAN, DICK ZIMMER. (jf) (Entered: 03/08/2018)
03/06/201842 AMICUS BRIEF by DON FOX, MARILYN GLYNN, KAREN KUCIK, LAWRENCE R. REYNOLDS, AMY COMSTOCK RICK, TRIP ROTHSCHILD, WALTER SHAUB, RICHARD M. THOMAS, KATHLEEN WHALEN, HARVEY WILCOX, LESLIE WILCOX . (jf) (Entered: 03/08/2018)
03/06/201843 AMICUS BRIEF by FORMER NATIONAL SECURITY OFFICIALS. (jf) (Entered: 03/08/2018)
03/06/201844 AMICUS BRIEF by FEDERAL JURISDICTION AND CONSTITUTIONAL LAW SCHOLARS. (jf) (Entered: 03/08/2018)
03/06/201845 AMICUS BRIEF by (Separation of Powers Scholars) REBECCA L. BROWN, HAROLD H. BRUFF, NEIL KINKOPF, CHRISTOPHER H. SCHROEDER, PETER M. SHANE, KEVIN M. STACK, PETER L. STRAUSS. (jf) (Entered: 03/08/2018)
03/06/201846 AMICUS BRIEF by JOHN MIKHAIL, JACK RAKOVE, GAUTHAM RAO, JED H. SHUGERMAN, SIMON STERN. (jf) (Entered: 03/08/2018)
03/30/2018MINUTE ORDER. The parties are directed to respond, by no later than April 30, 2018, to any arguments raised by amici that have not been addressed by the parties in their briefs. The response shall be a consolidated response to all amicus curiae briefs of no more than 45 pages. Signed by Judge Emmet G. Sullivan on 3/30/2018. (lcegs1) (Entered: 03/30/2018)
03/30/2018Set/Reset Deadlines: Response To All Amicus Curiae Briefs due by 4/30/2018 (mac) (Entered: 03/30/2018)
04/05/201847 NOTICE OF SUPPLEMENTAL AUTHORITY by KAREN BASS, MICHAEL F. BENNET, RICHARD BLUMENTHAL, CORY A. BOOKER, MARIA CANTWELL, BENJAMIN L. CARDIN, TOM CARPER, DAVID N. CICILLINE, JAMES E. CLYBURN, STEVE COHEN, CHRISTOPHER A. COONS, CATHERINE CORTEZ MASTO, JOSEPH CROWLEY, TED DEUTCH, TAMMY DUCKWORTH, RICHARD J. DURBIN, KIRSTEN E. GILLIBRAND, LUIS V. GUTIERREZ, KAMALA D. HARRIS, MARTIN HEINRICH, MAZIE K. HIRONO, STENY H. HOYER, SHEILA JACKSON LEE, HAKEEM JEFFRIES, HENRY C. HANK JOHNSON, JR, TIM KAINE, AMY KLOBUCHAR, PATRICK LEAHY, TED W. LIEU, ZOE LOFGREN, EDWARD J. MARKEY, JEFF MERKLEY, CHRIS MURPHY, PATTY MURRAY, JERROLD NADLER, NANCY PELOSI, JAMIE RASKIN, JACK REED, CEDRIC L. RICHMOND, LINDA T. SANCHEZ, BERNARD SANDERS, BRIAN SCHATZ, ERIC SWALWELL, TOM UDALL, CHRIS VAN HOLLEN, ELIZABETH WARREN, SHELDON WHITEHOUSE, RON WYDEN (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Gorod, Brianne) (Entered: 04/05/2018)
04/13/201848 MOTION to Clarify by JUDICIAL EDUCATION PROJECT, SETH BARRETT TILLMAN (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D, # 5Exhibit E)(Ray, Robert) (Entered: 04/13/2018)
04/13/201849 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE by JUDICIAL EDUCATION PROJECT, SETH BARRETT TILLMAN re 48 MOTION to Clarify . (Ray, Robert) (Entered: 04/13/2018)
04/17/2018MINUTE ORDER. In view of 48 motion to clarify, the Court clarifies that amici are not invited to respond to arguments raised by other amici. Signed by Judge Emmet G. Sullivan on 4/17/2018. (lcegs1) Modified event title on 4/19/2018 (znmw). (Entered: 04/17/2018)
04/30/201850 SUPPLEMENTAL MEMORANDUM to re Order, filed by KAREN BASS, MICHAEL F. BENNET, RICHARD BLUMENTHAL, CORY A. BOOKER, MARIA CANTWELL, BENJAMIN L. CARDIN, TOM CARPER, DAVID N. CICILLINE, JAMES E. CLYBURN, STEVE COHEN, CHRISTOPHER A. COONS, CATHERINE CORTEZ MASTO, JOSEPH CROWLEY, TED DEUTCH, TAMMY DUCKWORTH, RICHARD J. DURBIN, KIRSTEN E. GILLIBRAND, LUIS V. GUTIERREZ, KAMALA D. HARRIS, MARTIN HEINRICH, MAZIE K. HIRONO, STENY H. HOYER, SHEILA JACKSON LEE, HAKEEM JEFFRIES, HENRY C. HANK JOHNSON, JR, TIM KAINE, AMY KLOBUCHAR, PATRICK LEAHY, TED W. LIEU, ZOE LOFGREN, EDWARD J. MARKEY, JEFF MERKLEY, CHRIS MURPHY, PATTY MURRAY, JERROLD NADLER, NANCY PELOSI, JAMIE RASKIN, JACK REED, CEDRIC L. RICHMOND, LINDA T. SANCHEZ, BERNARD SANDERS, BRIAN SCHATZ, ERIC SWALWELL, TOM UDALL, CHRIS VAN HOLLEN, ELIZABETH WARREN, SHELDON WHITEHOUSE, RON WYDEN. (Gorod, Brianne) (Entered: 04/30/2018)
04/30/201851 SUPPLEMENTAL MEMORANDUM to re 15 MOTION to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim and for Lack of Subject Matter Jurisidction (Pursuant to the Court's March 30 Order) filed by DONALD J. TRUMP. (Lin, Jean) (Entered: 04/30/2018)
05/21/201852 MOTION For Leave to be Heard at Oral Argument by JUDICIAL EDUCATION PROJECT, SETH BARRETT TILLMAN (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Ray, Robert) (Entered: 05/21/2018)
05/22/2018MINUTE ORDER. The Court has determined that at the June 7, 2018 motion hearing in this case, it will hear argument only on the threshold question of plaintiffs' standing to bring their claims. The Court is appreciative of the amicus briefs submitted, but declines to invite any amicus to be heard orally. Signed by Judge Emmet G. Sullivan on 5/22/2018. (lcegs1) (Entered: 05/22/2018)
05/22/2018MINUTE ORDER denying 52 motion for leave to be heard at oral argument by amicus. Signed by Judge Emmet G. Sullivan on 5/22/2018. (lcegs1) (Entered: 05/22/2018)
06/04/201853 NOTICE of Appearance by Brett A. Shumate on behalf of DONALD J. TRUMP (Shumate, Brett) (Entered: 06/04/2018)
06/07/2018Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Emmet G. Sullivan: Motion Hearing held on 6/7/2018 re 15 MOTION to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim. (Court Reporter SCOTT WALLACE.) (mac) (Entered: 06/07/2018)
07/27/201854 TRANSCRIPT OF PROCEEDINGS before Judge Emmet G. Sullivan held on 6-7-18; Page Numbers: 1-119. Date of Issuance:6-14-18. Court Reporter/Transcriber Scott Wallace, Telephone number 202-354-3196, Transcripts may be ordered by submitting the <a href="http://www.dcd.uscourts.gov/node/110">Transcript Order Form</a><P></P><P></P>For the first 90 days after this filing date, the transcript may be viewed at the courthouse at a public terminal or purchased from the court reporter referenced above. After 90 days, the transcript may be accessed via PACER. Other transcript formats, (multi-page, condensed, CD or ASCII) may be purchased from the court reporter.<P>NOTICE RE REDACTION OF TRANSCRIPTS: The parties have twenty-one days to file with the court and the court reporter any request to redact personal identifiers from this transcript. If no such requests are filed, the transcript will be made available to the public via PACER without redaction after 90 days. The policy, which includes the five personal identifiers specifically covered, is located on our website at www.dcd.uscourts.gov.<P></P> Redaction Request due 8/17/2018. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 8/27/2018. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 10/25/2018.(Wallace, Scott) (Main Document 54 replaced on 7/31/2018) (zjf). (Entered: 07/27/2018)
07/27/201855 NOTICE OF SUPPLEMENTAL AUTHORITY by KAREN BASS, MICHAEL F. BENNET, RICHARD BLUMENTHAL, CORY A. BOOKER, MARIA CANTWELL, BENJAMIN L. CARDIN, TOM CARPER, DAVID N. CICILLINE, JAMES E. CLYBURN, STEVE COHEN, CHRISTOPHER A. COONS, CATHERINE CORTEZ MASTO, JOSEPH CROWLEY, TED DEUTCH, TAMMY DUCKWORTH, RICHARD J. DURBIN, KIRSTEN E. GILLIBRAND, LUIS V. GUTIERREZ, KAMALA D. HARRIS, MARTIN HEINRICH, MAZIE K. HIRONO, STENY H. HOYER, SHEILA JACKSON LEE, HAKEEM JEFFRIES, HENRY C. HANK JOHNSON, JR, TIM KAINE, AMY KLOBUCHAR, PATRICK LEAHY, TED W. LIEU, ZOE LOFGREN, EDWARD J. MARKEY, JEFF MERKLEY, CHRIS MURPHY, PATTY MURRAY, JERROLD NADLER, NANCY PELOSI, JAMIE RASKIN, JACK REED, CEDRIC L. RICHMOND, LINDA T. SANCHEZ, BERNARD SANDERS, BRIAN SCHATZ, ERIC SWALWELL, TOM UDALL, CHRIS VAN HOLLEN, ELIZABETH WARREN, SHELDON WHITEHOUSE, RON WYDEN (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Gorod, Brianne) (Entered: 07/27/2018)
08/15/201856 NOTICE OF SUPPLEMENTAL AUTHORITY by DONALD J. TRUMP (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit)(Lin, Jean) (Entered: 08/15/2018)
08/20/201857 NOTICE OF SUPPLEMENTAL AUTHORITY by KAREN BASS, MICHAEL F. BENNET, RICHARD BLUMENTHAL, CORY A. BOOKER, MARIA CANTWELL, BENJAMIN L. CARDIN, TOM CARPER, DAVID N. CICILLINE, JAMES E. CLYBURN, STEVE COHEN, CHRISTOPHER A. COONS, CATHERINE CORTEZ MASTO, JOSEPH CROWLEY, TED DEUTCH, TAMMY DUCKWORTH, RICHARD J. DURBIN, KIRSTEN E. GILLIBRAND, LUIS V. GUTIERREZ, KAMALA D. HARRIS, MARTIN HEINRICH, MAZIE K. HIRONO, STENY H. HOYER, SHEILA JACKSON LEE, HAKEEM JEFFRIES, HENRY C. HANK JOHNSON, JR, TIM KAINE, AMY KLOBUCHAR, PATRICK LEAHY, TED W. LIEU, ZOE LOFGREN, EDWARD J. MARKEY, JEFF MERKLEY, CHRIS MURPHY, PATTY MURRAY, JERROLD NADLER, NANCY PELOSI, JAMIE RASKIN, JACK REED, CEDRIC L. RICHMOND, LINDA T. SANCHEZ, BERNARD SANDERS, BRIAN SCHATZ, ERIC SWALWELL, TOM UDALL, CHRIS VAN HOLLEN, ELIZABETH WARREN, SHELDON WHITEHOUSE, RON WYDEN (Frazelle, Brian) (Entered: 08/20/2018)
08/20/2018NOTICE OF ERROR re 57 NOTICE OF SUPPLEMENTAL AUTHORITY; emailed to brian@theusconstitution.org, cc'd 20 associated attorneys -- The PDF file you docketed contained errors: 1. Invalid attorney signature, 2. DO NOT REFILE-Signature on pleadings should match Login/Password (zjf, ) (Entered: 08/20/2018)
09/28/201858 ORDER denying in part and deferring in part 15 Motion to Dismiss. Signed by Judge Emmet G. Sullivan on 9/28/2018. (lcegs1) (Entered: 09/28/2018)
09/28/201859 MEMORANDUM OPINION. Signed by Judge Emmet G. Sullivan on 9/28/2018. (lcegs1) (Entered: 09/28/2018)
10/22/201860 MOTION for Certification for interlocatory appeal of the Court's September 28, 2018 Order by DONALD J. TRUMP (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support)(Lin, Jean) (Entered: 10/22/2018)

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Thursday, June 15, 2017

CONYERS: Why I Am Suing President Trump


AMY GOODMAN: We turn right now back to Capitol Hill, which remains in shock after House Majority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana and four other people were wounded Wednesday when a gunman opened fire at a baseball field in Alexandria, Virginia, the lawmakers practicing for a charity congressional game that will take place tonight.

NERMEEN SHAIKH: We’re joined by the longest-serving member of Congress, Democrat John Conyers of Michigan. He’s served in Congress since 1965.

AMY GOODMAN: Congressman Conyers, welcome to Democracy Now! It’s great to have you back with us, but on a very sad day. Right now your fellow congressman, Steve Scalise, is in critical condition as a result of this shooting. The game will go on tonight, with Republicans and Democrats standing together. But your thoughts today?

REPJOHN CONYERS: Well, I am deeply disturbed by Steve Scalise’s problems. And we are all praying for his speedy recovery and hope that this will all soon be past.
We’ve got an important commitment here, and I think it’s very important that emoluments are prevented from spoiling what should be an important consideration. The Constitution says no emoluments, gifts.

AMY GOODMAN: Congressman Conyers, let’s explain what it is that you’re talking about, since no one knew what the word "emoluments" was anyway. But it involves this lawsuit that you’re involved with against President Trump. You and nearly 200 congressmembers—

REPJOHN CONYERS: Exactly.

AMY GOODMAN: —from the Senate and the Congress, 196 overall, are suing President Trump, accusing him of violating the Emoluments Clause of the Constitution by accepting millions of dollars in payments from foreign governments to Trump’s companies while serving as U.S. president, the lawsuit alleging Trump has accepted foreign emoluments, payments, which benefit him directly, without going to Congress first to get its consent. I want to turn to Elizabeth Wydra, who is president of the Constitutional Accountability Center, which filed the lawsuit on behalf of you and the 195 other members of Congress. This is what she says.
ELIZABETH WYDRA: President Trump has received billions of dollars from foreign governments leasing space in his properties, placing diplomats in his hotels. He has received very valuable trademarks from foreign governments. And this is just the tip of the iceberg, the benefits that we know that he’s received from foreign governments in violation of the Constitution. So what we need to do is have a transparent process. That’s what the Constitution envisions. That’s what it requires. And we’re going into court today to make sure that the president abides by the Constitution.
AMY GOODMAN: Among the violations cited in the lawsuit, Trump accepting intellectual property rights when he was granted trademarks by the Chinese government, and accepted payments from foreign governments by leasing space in his properties and placing diplomats in his hotels—representatives of Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Kuwait have all stayed at Trump International Hotel in D.C., which is located right near the White House—the lawsuit involving more congressional plaintiffs than any legal action ever taken against a president. Congressmember John Conyers, you are one of the leaders in this lawsuit. Why?

REPJOHN CONYERS: Well, because it’s simply a constitutional violation that’s pure and simple, Amy. This is something that we can’t sit by and let happen as if it doesn’t matter. It does matter. And it’s not complicated or complex or anything else. And that’s why we have so many congressmen and senators working with us on it.

NERMEEN SHAIKH: And, Congressman Conyers, can you explain why it’s so significant that you say that Trump has violated the Emoluments Clause? Why is that so important?

REPJOHN CONYERS: Well, it says that emoluments are money, benefits or other awards that can’t be used in the legislative process. Without the Emoluments Clause, Amy, the government and the lawmakers are subject to all kinds of offers, bribes, inducements. And so it’s really a waste of the democratic process if we don’t do something about it. And so, that’s why we are. We’ve got 160 congressmen and 30 senators, as well, all joined with us.

AMY GOODMAN: Now, so far, the 196 of you—you and Senator Blumenthal of Connecticut are leading the charge here in this lawsuit—are all Democrats. Among others, the president’s spokesperson, Sean Spicer, has said that these attacks on Trump around the Emoluments Clause are all partisan. Will any Republicans be joining your ranks in this lawsuit?

REPJOHN CONYERS: We’ll find out today, because we’re inviting them to come in. We didn’t want to get in—we didn’t want to start off with a debate about what provisions should be allowed, what emphasis and how this should be written. We decided to just start with the people that we knew would join immediately. And now we’ll be working on Republicans. And we want them to come in. We hope that they—that some of them do. And I think a few of them will.

AMY GOODMAN: Well, it’s an honor to have you with us, Congressman John Conyers, representing Michigan’s 13th Congressional District, which includes Detroit, the current ranking member and former chair of the House Judiciary Committee. Thank you so much for joining us from the Capitol.


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Thursday, May 14, 2020

Trump Emoluments On The Road To SCOTUS

Looks like we are going to SCOTUS....to be consolidated....to be continued....in Detroit.

SCOTUS: Trump Tax Returns - Stealin' The Land - Money Laundering - Magnitsky


The court recommended remand that the district court reverse its decision on writ of mandamus because the plaintiffs, Maryland and D.C. do not have Article II standing, or basically, they cannot demonstrate any harms.

How is a state harmed?

I can think of a few ways, like gerrymandering, better understood as stalin' the children, land & vote.

#maytheheavensfall

Federal court revives emoluments lawsuit against Trump over DC hotel

The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday revived a lawsuit from the Maryland and Washington, D.C. attorneys general that accuses President Trump of violating the Constitution’s Foreign and Domestic Emoluments Clauses by benefiting from use of the Trump International Hotel by foreign and U.S. officials.

The case previously had been ordered dismissed by a Fourth Circuit panel. But the full roster of judges reheard the case and, in a 9-6 decision, determined Trump cannot have the court overrule a lower court’s decision to deny him certification to appeal before trial.

“Notably, notwithstanding the President’s vigorous assertion that the court erred in its legal analysis, he does not contend that the district court denied certification for nonlegal reasons or in bad faith,” said Thursday’s opinion, written by Judge Diana Gribbon Motz.

Trump had asked the Fourth Circuit to issue a writ of mandamus, a drastic measure that would have ordered the district court to certify Trump’s appeal in the middle of the case. Trump’s challenge raised issues including whether D.C. and Maryland had standing to sue in the first place, and exactly what the meaning of the word “emoluments” is.

The Foreign Emoluments Clause prohibits the president or anyone else in office from receiving “any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State” without congressional approval. D.C. and Maryland claim that money earned as a result of foreign officials staying at his hotel to curry favor with the president constitutes such an emolument.

The Domestic Emoluments Clause says that the president cannot receive any emolument from the U.S. or any individual state other than his or her salary. The lawsuit alleges that Trump is receiving such emoluments when state officials stay at his hotel.

Trump’s request for a writ of mandamus also asked that if the Fourth Circuit does not force his appeal to go through, they should just order the district court to dismiss the case. Thursday’s ruling denied this request, saying that the president has not demonstrated a “clear and indisputable right to dismissal,” and that “reasonable jurists can disagree in good faith on the merits” of the lawsuit’s claims.

In a blistering dissenting opinion, Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson III wrote that what is really “clear and indisputable” is “that this action should never be in federal court” in the first place. He said he would order the district court to dismiss the case entirely, and that “the federal judiciary has sorely overstepped its proper bounds” in the case.

The dissent notes that if the president is violating the law by receiving illegal emoluments, Congress has the power to impeach him for it, which they have not done.

“The majority is using a wholly novel and nakedly political cause of action to pave the path for a litigative assault upon this and future Presidents and for an ascendant judicial supervisory role over Presidential action,” Wilkinson wrote.

The dissent also questioned how the matter should even be handled if Trump were violating the Constitution by benefiting from his hotel, rhetorically asking if they should issue an injunction keeping foreign officials out, or force Trump to divest from the hotel or even close the hotel entirely while he is in office.

“I have not the slightest idea,” the judge wrote.

The case will now go back to the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, where it will continue forward.

The D.C. Circuit Court previously dismissed a similar lawsuit brought by more than 200 Democratic lawmakers, stating they lacked standing.



Here is the cited case used in the opinion.
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Monday, July 8, 2019

JUDICIARY: FIRST JUDICIAL SUBPOENAS SERVED IN FOREIGN EMOLUMENTS CLAUSE LAWSUIT LAWSUIT BROUGHT BY BLUMENTHAL, NADLER & 213 OTHER MEMBERS OF CONGRESS

Dilly, dilly!



[WASHINGTON, DC] — After Judge Emmet Sullivan of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issued a ruling allowing U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), U.S. Representative Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), and more than two hundred Congressional plaintiffs to proceed with discovery in their effort to hold President Trump accountable for violations of the Foreign Emoluments Clause, thirty-seven judicial subpoenas were issued to a number of Trump business enterprises, including the Trump Organization, seeking information about foreign government payments accepted by six Trump properties, as well as trademarks granted to Trump businesses by foreign governments.

In a ruling rejecting President Trump’s attempts to delay discovery in the case, Judge Sullivan recognized that discovery and summary judgment briefing in the case can be complete by early next year. In response, Members of Congress moved swiftly in serving targeted document requests for financial documents necessary to prove the allegations in the complaint that President Trump is violating the Foreign Emoluments Clause, including corporate tax returns. The Members of Congress are represented in this case by the Constitutional Accountability Center.

“Our goal is simple and straightforward — stopping President Trump from putting a ‘For Sale’ sign in Russian on the door to the Oval Office. Now that we have been rightfully granted the opportunity to proceed with discovery, we are seeking a targeted set of documents to obtain the information that we need to ensure that the President can no longer shirk his constitutional responsibility,” Blumenthal said. “Thanks to the good work of the press, we already know of foreign emoluments that President Trump has and is receiving — we simply don’t yet know the full scope of his lawbreaking. Unsurprisingly, the Trump Administration is still seeking to delay, delay, delay, but we are confident that the D.C. Circuit will recognize the well-reasoned logic of the District Court, and allow discovery to proceed.”

“The President’s loyalty to the United States must be complete and undivided,” said Representative Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. “President Trump has flagrantly ignored the Foreign Emoluments Clause of the Constitution, but we do not yet know the extent of his violations. We are taking an important step towards obtaining key documents to understand the full scope of Trump’s foreign business dealings. The American people deserve to know whether their President is selling them out for his own personal benefit. With each passing day, we are closer to uncovering the truth.”

“The court has wisely rejected President Trump’s efforts to prevent enforcement of the Constitution’s Foreign Emoluments Clause, and allowed the plaintiffs to proceed with discovery into Trump’s foreign financial dealings. We have started this process by seeking information, including tax returns, from Trump’s many business interests that have reaped rewards from foreign governments during his presidency. While this is only the first step in the discovery process, it is a very important one, as we move toward transparency and accountability,” CAC President Elizabeth Wydra continued. “Meanwhile, as expected, the Trump Administration has made a last-ditch attempt to run out the clock on this effort to hold the President accountable to the Constitution during his current term in office. We are confident that the D.C. Circuit will reject this latest, groundless attempt to delay these proceedings and, as the District Court did, allow discovery to proceed.”

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Thursday, June 7, 2018

JUDICIARY: PRESS CONFERENCE MINUTES AFTER EMOLUMENTS COURT ARGUMENT TOMORROW, THURSDAY JUNE 7 (TENTATIVELY 12:30 PM ET)



***MEDIA ADVISORY***


Outside E. Barrett Prettyman Courthouse: Blumenthal, Nadler,
CAC Attorneys Will Answer Questions about the Morning’s
Oral Argument over President Trump’s Violations of the
Foreign Emoluments Clause

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – TOMORROWTHURSDAY, JUNE 7, Judge Emmett Sullivan will hear the historic challenge on behalf of nearly 200 Members of Congress who are asking him to hold President Donald Trump accountable to the U.S. Constitution’s Foreign Emoluments Clause. In addition to Constitutional Accountability Center Attorneys—President Elizabeth Wydra and Chief Counsel Brianne Gorod, representing the Members in court tomorrow—U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Jerrold Nadler, Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee (D-NY) plan to be in attendance.

While the hearing before Judge Sullivan is scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM ET, there is no set time for the conclusion of oral arguments. Right now, we are anticipating adjournment at about 12:00 PM, with a press conference start time of 12:30 PM ET. This could change depending on the duration of arguments.

WHO:                         U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), U.S. Representative Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), and Constitutional Accountability Center (CAC) Attorneys Elizabeth Wydra and Brianne Gorod

WHAT:                      Press Conference after historic oral argument in federal court over President Donald Trump’s violations of the U.S. Constitution’s Foreign Emoluments Clause

WHEN:                      Tomorrow, June 7, 12:30 PM ET (time subject to change depending on length of court hearing)

WHERE:                   Statue of William Blackstone
E. Barret Prettyman Federal Courthouse, 333 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20001

VISUAL:                   * Weather forecast is for low 70’s and dry, with partly cloudy skies
* Statue of British jurist William Blackstone (enormously influential on American law and cited in supplemental briefing on behalf of Members of Congress on the meaning of “emolument”)
* Prettyman Courthouse in perspective, sky, behind statue
* Podium and microphone in foreground (multbox provided)

RESOURCES:          Audio, Foreign Emoluments Clause Case Pre-argument Press Call, June 5, 2018:https://soundcloud.com/cac-constitution/cac-foreign-emoluments-clause-case-preargument-press-call-652018


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Friday, September 1, 2017

CONYERS & BLUMENTHAL File Amicus Brief Supporting Citizens For Responsibility And Ethics In Washington


Conyers and Blumenthal are the lead plaintiffs in Congressional action to hold President Trump accountable for violations of the Constitution’s anti-corruption Foreign Emoluments Clause

[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representative John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI) filed an amicus brief today in support of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington’s (CREW) effort to hold President Trump accountable for his ongoing violations of the Foreign Emoluments Clause. Blumenthal and Conyers are the lead plaintiffs in a separate effort to compel the President to comply with the Constitution’ critically important anti-corruption measure.

Yesterday, the Washington Post reported that Trump International Hotel has already turned a $1.97 million profit in 2017. Those profits include payments from foreign governments which have housed their officials in rooms or hosted events at the hotel.

Dean of the U.S. House
of Representatives
John Conyer, Jr.
“The Constitution’s Foreign Emoluments Clause is clear. Federal officials, including the President, cannot accept benefits of any kind from foreign states unless Congress consents.  President Trump, however, continues to violate this key anti-corruption provision, which was meant to ensure that the Nation’s leaders put the national interest above their personal interests,” said Conyers. 

“The payments from foreign governments that President Trump’s hotel is raking in are just one example of how President Trump is thumbing his nose at the Constitution and the American people. The immense magnitude of President Trump's vast business empire is no excuse for his disregard for the Constitution and disrespect for the American people. No one – not even the President – is above the law,” said Blumenthal.

The full text of the lawmakers’ amicus brief is below.

Blumenthal and Conyers are the lead plaintiffs in Blumenthal, Conyers, et al. v. Trump, the lawsuit brought by nearly 200 members of Congress against President Trump for his violations of the Foreign Emoluments Clause.

The Foreign Emoluments Clause requires that all elected officials, including the president, seek the “Consent of the Congress” before receiving any gifts, payments, or benefits from foreign governments. The Constitution’s Framers included such a requirement to protect against foreign influence on U.S. officials, and to ensure that those officials act in the national interest, instead of their own.

Because President Trump has refused to disclose his business dealings abroad, the full scope of his potential Constitutional violations is unknown. Independent reporting has shown that President Trump has received the following foreign emoluments during his presidency among others:

·         Payments from foreign governments housing their officials in rooms or hosting events at Trump’s Washington, D.C. hotel after Inauguration Day;
·         Entities owned by foreign states paying rent at Trump Tower in New York City; and
·         The Chinese government granting forty trademarks to the Trump Organization.

While President Trump continues to accept benefits from foreign governments, Congress has no choice but to seek a remedy through the courts.

A Congressional Research Service analysis of suits by members of Congress found no larger action.

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