The US House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Reform Tuesday announced an investigation into former President Donald Trump’s alleged failure to account for foreign gifts in violation of federal law. The announcement came amidst committee chairwoman Rep. Carolyn Maloney’s request to the US Acting Archivist to procure documents and information relating to Trump’s receipt of foreign gifts.

Maloney cited concerns that gifts from foreign governments and officials may have had some undue influence over Trump. Trump has previously faced scrutiny for similar issues. As a result, Maloney is concerned US national security and foreign policy interests may have been put at risk.

Under the US Constitution’s Emoluments Clause, the president is prohibited from obtaining benefits from foreign entities while in office. The Foreign Gifts and Decorations Act governs federal employees’ receipt of gifts from foreign governments based on the type and value of the gift. Under the act, gifts over a certain value can only be accepted on behalf of the US government and must be reported to the relevant committees and the State Department.

Maloney cited public reports which indicate that Trump may have accepted multiple gifts from foreign entities in 2020. What concerns Maloney is that those gifts do not appear on the State Department’s list of foreign gifts, as is required by law. The State Department said in April that it could not fully account for the foreign gifts the Trump administration officials received in 2020.

As a part of the investigation, the committee has requested all documents and communications related to foreign gifts received by Trump and his family members. The committee is seeking information on gifts’ values, their locations or dispositions, the identities of their donors, payments, reporting and any communications with the National Archives or White House staff related to foreign gifts.