Judge rejects Trump push to dismiss emoluments lawsuit

U.S. District Court Judge Peter Messitte shot down the Justice Department’s request to dismiss the lawsuit, which argued the plaintiffs had no legal standing to sue. The Greenbelt, Md.-based judge said he will schedule another hearing to weigh the administration’s other claims.

The decision is a blow to Trump, who has long claimed that his business arrangements are legal and do not pose a conflict of interest.

Critics say that Trump is violating the emoluments clause, which bans presidents from receiving gifts or payments from foreign governments without Congress’s explicit approval.