Judiciary panel probes Trump pitch to host G7 at golf course

WASHINGTON – The House Judiciary Committee says it will investigate President Donald Trump’s suggestion that his Miami-area golf course host next year’s Group of Seven summit with foreign leaders.

The panel said Wednesday it will hold hearings on the matter and request documents. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler said the Constitution “demands that President Trump’s private interests and official conduct remain separate.”

Trump suggested holding the next G-7 Summit at his Doral golf resort while attending this year’s gathering in Biarritz, France. He said the resort has “luxurious rooms” and “incredible conference rooms” and insisted he had no interest in profiting from the event.

Several lawsuits winding through the courts assert that Trump has violated the Constitution’s emoluments clause, which bans the president from taking gifts from foreign governments.