Final answer:
While it is not strictly against the law for a president to receive money through trademarks in foreign countries, such actions must be carefully monitored for conflicts of interest and breaches of the US Constitution's Emoluments Clause.
Step-by-step explanation:
Is it illegal for a sitting president to get money from trademarks in other countries? The answer is no, but it's important to understand the context and implications of this issue. The United States Constitution addresses conflicts of interest for federal officials in relation to receiving gifts or titles from foreign nations. Specifically, Article I, Section 9 prohibits government officials from receiving gifts, titles, or emoluments from foreign states without the consent of Congress, an issue related to what is often called the Emoluments Clause. Further, federal ethics laws and regulations guide the behavior of public officials, including the President.
The discussion around foreign involvement in US politics has been a contentious one, as seen with President Barack Obama's efforts to require disclosure for political advertisement contributions. Conversely, the campaign finance violations during Clinton's campaign open up a discourse on the fine line between fundraising and abusing access to powers of the presidency. Lastly, legislative proposals like No. 12 Constitutional Revision highlight ongoing attempts to address lobbying and abuse of office concerns.
While it is not outright illegal for a president to receive money through trademarks, it is crucial that any such dealings are transparent and do not constitute a conflict of interest or violate the emoluments clause. Understanding the legal boundaries and the importance of maintaining trust in the public office are critical considerations in such circumstances.