A new House report claims that Trump profited from the presidency by using his properties to generate income from government agencies and foreign entities. House Democrats argue that Trump’s presidency became a platform for personal financial gain, with the Secret Service and other government agencies paying inflated rates at his properties. The report alleges that these transactions violated the Domestic Emoluments Clause of the Constitution.

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Secret Service Overcharges

Between September 2017 and August 2018, Trump’s Washington, D.C., hotel charged the Secret Service for more than 200 rooms over 50 separate nights. The rates often exceeded the authorized government per diem. For example, in November 2017, during Eric Trump and Lara Trump’s stay, the Secret Service was billed $600 per room, while the per diem was $201. Meanwhile, other guests paid significantly lower rates, including a Chinese business interest.

The report describes the Secret Service as a “captive customer,” overcharged despite public claims by Trump’s children that agents stayed “for free” or “at cost.” In February 2018, agents paid $895 per room to protect Eric Trump, marking a 450% markup over the per diem. On the same night, the Qatari royal family paid as little as $280.

Pay-to-Play Allegations

Trump’s businesses allegedly benefited from payments by federal officials, state officials, and individuals seeking political favors, including presidential pardons. Out of 30 highlighted payments, more than half involved officials using taxpayer funds to stay at Trump’s hotel, potentially violating the Domestic Emoluments Clause.

One notable example is the Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak’s delegation, which spent over $248,000 at Trump’s D.C. hotel in September 2017. The visit coincided with a DOJ investigation into a major corruption scandal involving Najib’s government. The Secret Service also spent over $12,000 to protect Trump and his family that month.

Financial Gains from the Oval Office

This report builds on a previous investigation from January 2024, which found that Trump’s private businesses earned $7.8 million from foreign entities during his presidency. The combined findings suggest that Trump used his properties and office to extract financial benefits from government agencies and foreign officials.

“These transactions demonstrate how Trump profited from the presidency, often at taxpayers’ expense,” the report states.

Despite multiple lawsuits over Emoluments Clause violations, courts have dismissed many cases on technical grounds, leaving Trump without significant legal consequences. The report calls for stricter anti-corruption measures, arguing that Trump exploited loopholes in federal laws.

“The findings reveal major shortcomings in federal anti-corruption rules, which Trump used to generate millions,” the report says. It emphasizes the need for stronger enforcement of the Domestic and Foreign Emoluments Clauses, both of which bar a president from receiving payments from government agencies or foreign entities.

Urgent Need for Congressional Action

The report warns that Trump’s actions set a dangerous precedent, particularly if reforms are not enacted. House Democrats urge Congress to pass stricter legislation to close loopholes that allowed Trump to benefit financially while in office. They argue that without reform, future presidents could use the office for personal gain, undermining public trust.

“These reports are urgent calls to action,” the report concludes. “Congress must ensure effective enforcement of the Domestic and Foreign Emoluments Clauses to protect public interests over private gains.”