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19 Aug 2018, 7:41 am
Justice Department seeks to halt lawsuit involving President Trump’s business
Quote:
The lawsuit, filed by Maryland and the District of Columbia, centers on whether Trump is violating the Constitution by continuing to do business with foreign and state governments while serving as president. Earlier this year, U.S. District Judge Peter J. Messitte ruled that the historic case could proceed, opening the door for the plaintiffs to seek internal records from Trump’s hotel in downtown Washington.
In Friday’s filing, the Justice Department sought to block the case on the grounds that Messitte was setting new precedent on complex issues involving a sitting president and asked that he put the case on hold until a higher court could review his rulings.
“Plaintiffs are now poised to attempt to conduct civil discovery against the sitting President, in his official capacity, which necessarily would be a distraction,” Justice Department attorneys wrote in the 36-page filing.
In Friday’s filing, the Justice Department sought to block the case on the grounds that Messitte was setting new precedent on complex issues involving a sitting president and asked that he put the case on hold until a higher court could review his rulings.
“Plaintiffs are now poised to attempt to conduct civil discovery against the sitting President, in his official capacity, which necessarily would be a distraction,” Justice Department attorneys wrote in the 36-page filing.
Yes, Trump's concentration on his golf game may face distraction, as well as his late-night tweets.
Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C. (Astrid Riecken/For The Washington Post)
