Washington: A federal judge ruled Tuesday that a lawsuit that accuses President Trump of profiting off the presidency in violation of the Constitution's emoluments clause can move forward. US District Judge Emmett G. Sullivan of the District of Columbia ruled against Justice Department lawyers who sought a mid-case appeal to a higher court and a stay on proceedings in the meantime.

The case brought by nearly 200 congressional Democrats argues that Trump has been accepting gifts from foreign and state governments without congressional approval. Trump, unlike modern presidents before him, has declined to fully divest from his businesses. The lawmakers say Trump's unwillingness to ask permission is akin to denying lawmakers the right to do their jobs. The judge's decision clears the way for the lawmakers to begin subpoenas for information. Tuesday's ruling came as Trump was heading to a roundtable event and fundraiser with supporters at his namesake hotel in Washington, just steps from the White House.