This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
It's obvious that Donald Trump is using his presidential election as a means of profit, which places Congress in a quandary. It's known he has financial holdings in Asia, the Middle East, Europe and South America. Without releasing his tax returns, one is left to speculate about other foreign business.
Article One, Section 9, of the Constitution, in the first sentence, last clause, clearly states that a president can't accept gratuities from any foreign country. And here lies the dilemma. Trump can liquidate offshore interests and sell them, hence removing himself from the influence of profits and possible conflicts of interest with our country. Or Congress can grant an exception, which Democrats will fight. Or Trump can resign or be impeached.
Given Trump's ignorance of the Constitution and his boundless greed, he'll attempt to convince Congress that he's capable of operating his businesses and managing the country simultaneously: a feat never attempted by past presidents, and, if allowed to continue, would establish a precedent.
Allowing the nation's capital to become a "Trump souvenir shop," where profits are more imperative than the nation's business, should not be tolerated nor condoned.
Utah's Rep. Jason Chaffetz should convene a special session of Congress to demand Trump's tax returns to ascertain all his foreign interests, and insist he either abandon all ties to foreign holdings or face impeachment charges. Anything less is unconstitutional, and to mandate any less is undemocratic.
Allen Livingston
Huntington