emoluments clause
noun
variants
or Emoluments Clause
1
or foreign emoluments clause
: a clause in Article 1, Section 9 of the U.S. Constitution that prohibits federal officeholders from accepting any present, emolument, office, or title from any foreign state or its rulers or representatives
2
or domestic emoluments clause
: a clause in Article 2, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution that prohibits the president from receiving any emolument from the federal government or from any state other than the compensation Section 1 provides for service as chief executive
Examples of emoluments clause in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Trump’s first election brought about unprecedented controversy surrounding his business relationships, conflicts of interest, foreign influence, and the constitutional emoluments clause.
—
Paula Aceves, Curbed, 31 Oct. 2024
The foreign emoluments clause of Article I, Section 9, is a further expression of the fear that other countries could seduce the president from his proper allegiance.
—Frank O. Bowman Iii, Foreign Affairs, 25 Nov. 2019
Lawsuits accusing Trump of violating the emoluments clauses in the Constitution during his presidency were unsuccessful.
—Erin Mansfield, USA TODAY, 18 Apr. 2024
The report claims that the payments violated the Constitution's foreign emoluments clause, a rule that bars the president and other federal officials from accepting money or gifts from foreign governments without Congressional approval.
—Will Steakin, ABC News, 4 Jan. 2024
Washington – The Supreme Court on Monday tossed out disputes claiming former President Donald Trump was profiting from the presidency through his continued financial interest in his private company in violation of the Constitution's emoluments clause.
—Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 25 Jan. 2021
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Paula Aceves, Curbed, 31 Oct. 2024
The foreign emoluments clause of Article I, Section 9, is a further expression of the fear that other countries could seduce the president from his proper allegiance.
—Frank O. Bowman Iii, Foreign Affairs, 25 Nov. 2019
Lawsuits accusing Trump of violating the emoluments clauses in the Constitution during his presidency were unsuccessful.
—Erin Mansfield, USA TODAY, 18 Apr. 2024
The report claims that the payments violated the Constitution's foreign emoluments clause, a rule that bars the president and other federal officials from accepting money or gifts from foreign governments without Congressional approval.
—Will Steakin, ABC News, 4 Jan. 2024
Washington – The Supreme Court on Monday tossed out disputes claiming former President Donald Trump was profiting from the presidency through his continued financial interest in his private company in violation of the Constitution's emoluments clause.
—Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 25 Jan. 2021
Dictionary Entries Near emoluments clause
Cite this Entry
“Emoluments clause.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emoluments%20clause. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share