Judge rules emoluments case against Trump improperly profiting off of his hotels can move forward

A district court judge has ruled that the emoluments case against President Donald Trump can move forward.

According to Bloomberg, Judge Peter Messitte in Greenbelt, Maryland, rejected the Justice Department's argument to dismiss the lawsuit.

The ruling was a huge blow for Trump, who swears there are no conflicts of interest and no violations of the Constitution's emoluments clauses. Detractors say, however, that world leaders and influential political organizations and leaders are actively using the Trump hotel near the White House in a way that helps the Trump family profit.

The judge did say that he would entertain additional dismissal requests in the future, but as it stands today, the lawsuit may continue.

This case is one of three brought by watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW). Another case in New York federal court was rejected. The Washington trial court, however was brought by dozens of Democratic lawmakers lead by Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).

“By accepting emoluments, the president creates a constitutionally prohibited market," attorney Steven Sullivan argued while before the judge in January.