$7.8 Million from Foreign Governments While President
House investigators documented $7.8 million from 20 foreign governments flowing to Trump businesses during his presidency — China alone paid $5.6M. CREW estimates the true total at $13.6M. Trump never sought required congressional consent.
A House Oversight Committee report, using Trump Organization financial records from accounting firm Mazars USA, documented at least $7.8 million in payments from 20 foreign governments to Trump businesses during his presidency — in apparent violation of the Constitution's Foreign Emoluments Clause.
The payments came from:
- China: $5.6 million (mostly rent from state-owned ICBC at Trump Tower)
- Saudi Arabia: $615,000+
- Qatar: $466,000
- Kuwait: $303,000 (embassy events at Trump Hotel)
- India, Malaysia, Afghanistan, Philippines, UAE, and 11 other countries
The report noted these figures likely represent "only a small portion" of total foreign payments, as they covered just two years and four of Trump's 500+ business entities. CREW estimated the true total at $13.6 million.
The Constitution requires presidents to seek congressional consent before accepting payments from foreign governments. Trump never did. The Supreme Court dismissed emoluments lawsuits on procedural grounds without ruling on the merits — a technicality that left the constitutional violation unaddressed.