Trump asks judge to dismiss case

US President Donald Trump asked a judge on Friday to throw out a lawsuit alleging he is violating the Constitution by using his office to profit from his hotels and other properties.

Trump is arguing that the attorneys-general of Maryland and the District of Columbia do not have standing to bring the lawsuit because they have not shown they have suffered from the president's actions.

The lawsuit alleges Trump was violating the clauses of the Constitution that generally prohibit presidents from receiving payments from foreign and domestic governments.

Government ethics lawyers have widely condemned Trump for holding onto his vast business empire after taking office.

They argue that gives plenty of opportunity for people who want to influence US policy to curry favour with the president.

Trump and his lawyers say the Maryland attorney-general's argument that business in his state will get hurt by Trump's Washington, D.C., hotel is too "speculative."

Since his inauguration as president in January, the Trump International Hotel in Washington has hosted parties by foreign embassies and become a favourite gathering spot for lobbyists.

On Thursday, Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch gave a speech at the hotel.