hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
House says DOJ must not settle President Trump's lawsuits for money.
Rep. Raskin (D-MD) and other Democrats.
In committee, no House vote yet.
This resolution expresses the House's view that the Department of Justice should not settle legal claims filed by President Donald Trump against the U.S. government for monetary payments. It argues that settling such claims would violate the Domestic Emoluments Clause, which prevents the President from receiving payments from the government beyond their salary. Introduced by Rep. Jamie Raskin, a Democrat from Maryland, along with several co-sponsors, the bill is currently in the House Judiciary Committee.
Introduced Apr 16, 2026
This resolution has been introduced in the House of Representatives and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. For it to move forward, the committee would need to consider it, potentially hold hearings, and then vote to send it to the full House for a vote. As a 'sense of the House' resolution, if it passes the House, it would express the body's opinion but does not require Senate approval or the President's signature to take effect as law.
If the Department of Justice were to follow the guidance in this resolution, it would mean that the DOJ would not negotiate or settle legal claims filed by President Trump against the U.S. government for monetary payments. This would aim to prevent the use of taxpayer funds for such settlements, asserting that the Domestic Emoluments Clause forbids such payments beyond the President's official salary. It seeks to prevent a situation where the President could be seen as handling financial claims against his own administration.
Supporters Say
Supporters believe it upholds the Constitution's emoluments clause, preventing a President from personally profiting.
Critics Say
Critics might argue it limits a President's right to pursue legitimate legal claims against the government.
Supporters of this resolution argue that allowing the Department of Justice to settle a President's personal financial claims against the U.S. government would be a clear violation of the Domestic Emoluments Clause. They see it as a critical measure to prevent potential self-dealing and a 'plunder of the taxpayers,' citing James Madison's principle that 'No man is allowed to be a judge in his own cause.' While the bill acknowledges a president's right to sue, critics might argue that this resolution could be seen as infringing on a president's ability to seek damages through the courts, even if the method of settlement is being questioned.