Knowing that the President has the ability to provide needed supplies and other help to states, governors are treading carefully with him. Some states seem to have fared better, others have fared worse. States may be pitted against each other. 1/5 https://khn.org/morning-breakout/governors-tread-lightly-following-trumps-comments-about-leaders-needing-to-show-proper-appreciation/

The constitution's framers were deeply concerned about states currying favor with the President in exactly such a situation. They wrote a clause into the constitution, the domestic emoluments clause, which prohibited states from giving benefits to the President. 2/5

So far reports have only suggested that governors are choosing words carefully and saying nice things about the President to secure better treatment. But isn't it logical to think they might be tempted to steer business or tax or other benefits to his properties to win favor? 3/5

If states do send money or benefits to the President's businesses in hopes of winning more federal aid for coronavirus, that will be exactly what the framers feared and what the constitution prohibits. 4/5

We don't know yet if that's happening, but since the President continues to profit from his businesses, those seeking to curry favor with him frequently patronize his properties, and he seems to be playing favorites, we have to wonder. 5/5