US Constitution Archives | American Democracy Minute

The Constitution’s Foreign Emoluments Clause was Intended to Stop Bribery and Corruption. Recently, Not So Much.

May 14, 2025May 14, 2025

This is a timely rebroadcast of a piece we did last November on the emoluments clause. The numbers quoted are chump change compared with the money being thrown at President Donald Trump by foreign countries right now in bitcoin, sweetheart investments and even a luxury Boeing 747. What would the framers have said?

Cockpit Lights Flash Emoluments Clause Danger, as Qatar Government Apparently Gifts $400M 747 to Trump for Air Force One

May 12, 2025May 12, 2025

President Donald Trump appears poised to accept a gift of a $400 million dollar super luxury Boeing 747 from the Qatar royal family for use as Trump’s Air Force One. The potential gift is raising questions of potential corruption under the Constitution’s Emoluments Clause, and a potential security risk.

Trump ‘Meme Coin’ Cryptocurrency Scheme Selling Access to the President Raises Alarms for Emolument Clause Violations

April 24, 2025April 24, 2025

President Donald Trump launched a cryptocurrency “meme coin” with his likeness on January 17th, just before inauguration day. April 21st, with its value plummeting, the company offered top buyers of the coin a dinner with Trump and a personal tour of the White House. That likely violates the Emoluments Clause.

President Biden Pardons Son, Trump Previously-Pardoned Ambassador Nominee & Family Member. How Did Presidential Pardons Evolve?

December 2, 2024December 2, 2024

December 1st, President Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter, convicted on federal gun and drug charges. President-elect Trump recently nominated Charles Kushner, whom Trump pardoned for tax evasion and witness tampering, to become ambassador to France. How did Presidential pardons evolve, and what are their limitations?

State of New Hampshire Seeks 14th Amendment Legal Advice on Whether Candidate Donald Trump Can Appear on the First in the Nation 2024 Primary

August 29, 2023December 30, 2023

A New Hampshire 2020 U.S. Senate candidate endorsed by former President Trump is questioning Trump’s qualification for the Presidency under the 14th Amendment, Section 3, designed to keep former Confederate leaders from holding office.