Grade 2 of 5: Major Abuse of Power
Emoluments Violations: Profiting from Foreign and Domestic Governments While President
Unlike every president in modern history, Trump refused to divest from his businesses, instead placing them in a trust managed by his sons. Foreign governments and domestic government agencies spent millions at Trump properties during his presidency. Courts dismissed emoluments cases on procedural grounds rather than merits; a January 2024 House Oversight Democrats report documented more than $7.8 million in payments from at least 20 foreign governments to Trump businesses during his presidency.