Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., argued Tuesday that President Trump’s announcement that he wanted to work with China to save Chinese cell phone company ZTE was driven by money, and could therefore violate language in the Constitution that says officials can't use their office for direct financial gain.

“It does seem like the simplest explanation is the correct one — it's money,” Swalwell told CNN Tuesday morning when describing Trump’s reasoning behind forgiving this Chinese company for being a bad actor.



Rep. Eric Swalwell accuses President Trump of trying to save Chinese company ZTE in order to benefit himself and his companies: "It does seem like the simplest explanation is the correct one — it's money" https://t.co/7PEl5DxyrH pic.twitter.com/SvnOVQh1QQ — New Day (@NewDay) May 15, 2018



ZTE announced last week that it had halted all business in the U.S. after the Commerce Department in April banned U.S. companies from selling parts or software to ZTE, which is the second-largest cellphone company in China. The company pleaded with the U.S. about the impact it could have on business operations.

But Trump tweeted that he was working with Chinese President Xi Jinping to get ZTE back in business and save Chinese jobs, days after China agreed to put $500 million into an Indonesian project that would personally benefit Trump. The project is a theme park that will include a Trump hotel and golf course.

“You do a good deal for him, he does a good deal for you. Quid pro quo,” Richard Painter, the White House ethics lawyer under former President George W. Bush and now Democratic candidate for Senate in Minnesota, told the Huffington Post . “This appears to be yet another violation of the emoluments clause of the Constitution.”

Swalwell called on Congress to take steps to ensure Trump isn't using his office to benefit himself.

“Yes, and we’re not helpless,” Swalwell continued. “In Congress, you know, we have oversight capabilities to make sure no president is cashing in on his office and benefiting his family business.”