Nearly 200 Democrats in the US Congress have joined forces to file a legal case against President Donald Trump over receipt of payments from foreign governments via his businesses.

The plaintiffs accuse Trump of violating the Constitution's emoluments clause, prohibiting receipt of gifts without congressional approval, reports the BBC.

They say this is the largest number of legislators ever to sue a US president.

State officials and private businesses are suing Trump in similar cases.

The attorneys general of Maryland and the District of Columbia announced their lawsuit on Monday.

The White House has denied their allegations.

Spokesman Sean Spicer said that “partisan politics” could be behind the lawsuit of the attorneys general.

The justice department declined to comment on the latest suit by legislators, but has said previously it is unconstitutional to sue the president in his private capacity.

At least 30 senators and 166 representatives are involved.

They say Trump has not sought congressional approval for any payments received by his businesses from foreign governments since he took office.

“President Trump has conflicts of interest in at least 25 countries, and it appears he's using his presidency to maximize his profits," said Representative John Conyers.

“We do this not out of any sense of pleasure or partisanship, but because President Trump has left us with no other option.”

Trump's worldwide organization includes more than 500 business entities, including hotels, golf courses and apartment buildings, many of which have done business with foreign governments.

Since taking office in January, Trump has turned day-to-day control of his real estate empire and other assets over to a trust managed by his adult sons.

But he has not sold them off as critics said he should do in order to avoid conflicts of interest.

BDST: 1525 HRS, JUNE 14, 2017
AP