A lawsuit against President Donald Trump over alleged Constitutional violations involving his private business can proceed after a federal judge rejected a request from the Department of Justice on Tuesday, The Washington Post reports.
U.S. District Judge Emmet G. Sullivan in Washington declined a motion to have an appeals court review his previous rulings that the lawsuit, which was brought by almost 200 Democratic members of Congress, can proceed. The judge also declared in the 12-page ruling that legislators can start seeking interviews and records for the Trump Organization.
"This case will be poised for resolution within six months; an immediate appeal would hardly materially advance its ultimate termination," the judge wrote.
"Even though discovery has not begun, it will be scheduled to conclude and cross motions for summary judgment to be fully briefed within six months," Sullivan wrote.
The lawmakers argue Trump's company violated the "emoluments" clauses of the Constitution, which state the president cannot accept gifts or payments from either foreign or state governments.
The Post notes Justice Department attorneys asked Sullivan to approve an immediate appeal of his rulings due to the "exceptional circumstances" in this case: "Plaintiffs are now poised to seek civil discovery against the president, including into his personal finances and official actions, which will distract the president from his official duties."
Sullivan ruled "the president has failed to meet his burden of establishing 'that an immediate appeal from the order may materially advance the ultimate termination of the litigation.'"