(Image source from: pbs.org)

On Wednesday a federal judge ruled that the District of Columbia and Maryland can go on with their lawsuit accusing the United States President Donald Trump of unconstitutionally accepting overseas payments and state interests, through his Washington hotel.

To seek financial records, the decision clears the way for the plaintiffs and other materials from the president's company.

The Maryland-based U.S. District Judge Peter J. Messitte, in his ruling, rejected arguments from the Department of Justice that net profit from business activities, do not suffice as unconstitutional acquisition, including stays in a hotel room.

The ruling of Messitte was the first time that a federal judge has interpreted the emoluments clause, which had never been amply tested in an American courtroom. Two other lawsuits based on the emoluments clause are likewise being heard in other federal courts.

In his 52-page opinion, the judge said attorneys general for Maryland and the District had "convincingly argued" that the Constitution treats emoluments "as any 'profit,' 'gain,' or 'advantage.'"

A spokesman for the Justice Department, Andy Reuss, said the administration continues "to maintain that this case should be dismissed."

Reuss added that the department "is reviewing the order and determining next steps to continue vigorously defending the President." They could appeal Messitte's ruling to a federal appeals court.

Declaring Messitte's ruling a "series of common sense conclusions," Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh said Wednesday that he anticipated both jurisdictions to press for a wide range of financial documents and related materials from the Trump Organization and the Trump International Hotel.

By Sowmya Sangam