LEGAL/TRUMP AS PRESIDENT/TRUMP BUSINESS: “The attorneys general of the District of Columbia and Maryland began sending subpoenas to the Trump Organization as well as five federal agencies and the state of Maine for financial records involving payments to President Donald Trump’s businesses. Subpoenas are expected to begin going out as early as Tuesday [12-4-18], with targets required to provide information within the next six months…The case is proceeding just as the Trump Organization braces for a flurry of investigations from House Democrats once they take control of Congress in January. The Trump Organization did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The lawsuit by DC and Maryland claims Trump is in violation of the Constitution’s ban on emoluments, or payments, from foreign or domestic government entities to the president because of his continued interest in the Trump International Hotel. DC and Maryland have said the Trump International Hotel’s operations put other nearby hotels and entertainment properties at a competitive disadvantage, and that the Trump hotel got special tax concessions. The hotel won its lease on federally owned property before Trump’s election.”
–Katelyn Polantz, “DC and Maryland send subpoenas to Trump Org over hotel payments,” CNN Politics, CNN.com, December 4, 2018 5:47 pm