Even before he takes the oath of office Friday, President-elect Donald Trump already is facing legal action.

The American Civil Liberties Union said it filed a Freedom of Information Act request late Thursday seeking information on conflicts of interest related to Mr. Trump’s and his family’s business interests. The organization, which established a new “Constitution Defense Fund” immediately after Mr. Trump’s election and has vowed to be a leader in the legal fight against the Trump White House, said the action will be the first of many.

“We are bringing this first legal action using the Freedom of Information Act to underscore the fact that President Trump is not above the law. Trump took the oath, but he didn’t take the steps necessary to ensure that he and his family’s business interests comply with the Constitution and other federal statutes,” said Anthony D. Romero, the ACLU’s executive director. “Freedom of information requests are our democracy’s X-ray, and they will be vitally important to expose and curb the abuses of a president who believes the rules don’t apply to him and his family.

Specifically, the ACLU is seeking legal opinions, communications, and other documents from the Justice Department, Office of Government Ethics, Office of Personnel Management, and other arms of government.

Other legal actions and lawsuits, Mr. Romero added, are looming.

“We also know that more legal action will be needed when the new administration attempts to enact some of their unconstitutional proposals,” he said.

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