Sorry if this is OT, no need to post. But I'm not sure I agree that "nothing in the Constitution prohibits the president from accepting money from foreign governments". what about Article 1, Section 9, paragraph 8? As I understand, that is the clause that is commonly understood as prohibiting federal officers, including the president, from accepting "any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State." True, congress can authorize such gifts,but it seems to me that there is a provision that, absent such authorization, the president cannot accept money from foreign states. Could be wrong, but thought I'd raise the point. As always, thanks for your time, effort, and insight!