rooster59 Posted April 6, 2019 Share Posted April 6, 2019 Fight begins over Trump's taxes, lawyer slams Democrats' request By Karen Freifeld FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump talks to reporters as he departs for travel to the U.S.-Mexico border from the White House in Washington, U.S., April 5, 2019. REUTERS/Carlos Barria (Reuters) - An attorney for President Donald Trump on Friday blasted U.S. House Democrats' request for six years of Trump's tax returns as "a misguided attempt" to politicize the tax laws, accusing lawmakers of harassment and interference in IRS audits. In a statement that mapped out the legal battlefield ahead, William Consovoy said the request, formally filed on Wednesday by U.S. House of Representatives tax committee Chairman Richard Neal, flouts "constitutional constraints." "The requests for his private tax information are not consistent with governing law, do not advance any proper legislative purpose, and threaten to interfere with the ordinary conduct of audits," Consovoy said. "We are confident that this misguided attempt to politicize the administration of the tax laws will not succeed," he said. One of the many investigations targeting Trump on Capitol Hill and in the U.S. court system, the House Democrat's probe into the president's tax returns could pull back the curtain on his business empire and his reputation as a savvy dealmaker. Unlike previous presidents over recent decades, Trump has refused to make public past tax returns, while retaining ownership in many enterprises, ranging from golf courses and hotels to Trump Tower in New York City and his Mar-a-Lago private club in Florida. Concerns about possible conflicts of interest have simmered since Trump moved into the White House in January 2017, along with lingering questions from his presidential campaign about his net worth, tax profile and past financial dealings. Seeking answers to such questions, Neal this week invoked a law that gives the head of the tax committee the power to ask the Internal Revenue Service for a president's returns. He is seeking both Trump's personal and business tax returns. Asked on Friday about Neal’s request, Trump said before leaving the White House for a trip to California, “From what I understand the law is 100 percent on my side." Congressional Republicans oppose Neal's effort, saying such a move sets a dangerous precedent by turning the confidential tax documents of a U.S. citizen into a political weapon. A tax committee spokesman said it had no comment for now. An IRS spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment, and a spokeswoman for the Justice Department declined to comment. "THEY DISLIKE HIS POLITICS" When Neal filed his request to IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig two days ago, Neal said it was "critical to ensure the accountability of our government and elected officials." Trump has long maintained that he cannot release his returns because they are under IRS audit. The IRS, which is overseen by the U.S. Treasury Department, has said that Trump could release his returns even while under audit. Trump's former personal lawyer Michael Cohen recently testified in Congress that he did not believe the president was being audited, but may have used the audit claim to avoid scrutiny that could lead to an audit and IRS tax penalties. In a letter to Treasury General Counsel Brent McIntosh on Friday, Consovoy called the request "a transparent effort by one political party to harass an official from the other party because they dislike his politics and speech." He argued that any request from the House committee for private tax returns would need to have a legitimate legislative purpose, which he said Neal's request lacked. Consovoy said the IRS should not comply with the request until it receives a formal legal opinion from the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel. Consovoy is also Trump’s personal lawyer in a case accusing him of violating anti-corruption provisions of the U.S. Constitution with his Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C., which is pending at the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. -- © Copyright Reuters 2019-04-06 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post helpisgood Posted April 6, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted April 6, 2019 If it does go to court, will any of the "Russian oligarchs" or any wealthy Russian investors file an amicus curiae ("friend of the court") brief on behalf of a party they just happen to favor? ???? Supposedly, Watergate informant "Deep Throat" had advised the investigative journalist Bob Woodward, "Follow the money." 5 2 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Boon Mee Posted April 6, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted April 6, 2019 Trump needs to tell them again to go pound sand. While he's under audit by the IRS, he's not allowed to release his taxes. 4 3 1 10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post rudi49jr Posted April 6, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted April 6, 2019 52 minutes ago, Boon Mee said: Trump needs to tell them again to go pound sand. While he's under audit by the IRS, he's not allowed to release his taxes. That Trump keeps saying he's under audit by the IRS doesn't make it true. Your beloved president actually says a lot of things that are not true, or haven't you noticed? 12 1 2 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Sakeopete Posted April 6, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted April 6, 2019 This will just add to Trump's witch hunt narrative garnering him more support. 4 2 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Thailand Posted April 6, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted April 6, 2019 9 minutes ago, Sakeopete said: This will just add to Trump's witch hunt narrative garnering him more support. I think it's witch hoax now. 1 3 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smedly Posted April 6, 2019 Share Posted April 6, 2019 more nonsense I thought the UK political system was the major global joke right now - it seems they are not alone 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Ireland32 Posted April 6, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted April 6, 2019 24 minutes ago, Thailand said: I think it's witch hoax now. No he’s a Criminal, Surely 2 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post TGIR Posted April 6, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted April 6, 2019 What a bunch of B.S. All of you who are demanding to see the President's taxes will be really sorry to hear that regardless of what gets given to the Congress, you will not see ANY of it. So, since we're not going to see any of Trump's return, why don't your all post a copy of your very own Tax Returns for the past six years..........right here on Facebook. Bet you're not so willing to do that are you? 3 2 1 1 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post stevenl Posted April 6, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted April 6, 2019 4 hours ago, Boon Mee said: Trump needs to tell them again to go pound sand. While he's under audit by the IRS, he's not allowed to release his taxes. He can say whatever he likes, he is not involved in this. Congress is asking the IRS, not Trump. 3 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post stevenl Posted April 6, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted April 6, 2019 1 hour ago, TGIR said: What a bunch of B.S. All of you who are demanding to see the President's taxes will be really sorry to hear that regardless of what gets given to the Congress, you will not see ANY of it. So, since we're not going to see any of Trump's return, why don't your all post a copy of your very own Tax Returns for the past six years..........right here on Facebook. Bet you're not so willing to do that are you? Any on here who are in a very public position like Trump? His tax returns I think will not give away much, his company's, also asked for by Congress, will be much more interesting. 4 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post bristolboy Posted April 6, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted April 6, 2019 4 hours ago, Boon Mee said: Trump needs to tell them again to go pound sand. While he's under audit by the IRS, he's not allowed to release his taxes. That is completely false. You are absolutely allowed to release you tax information while you are under audit. IRS: Trump can release tax returns, regardless of audit https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/onpolitics/2016/02/26/donald-trump-internal-revenue-service-audits/80996086/ 1 9 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post bristolboy Posted April 6, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted April 6, 2019 1 hour ago, TGIR said: What a bunch of B.S. All of you who are demanding to see the President's taxes will be really sorry to hear that regardless of what gets given to the Congress, you will not see ANY of it. So, since we're not going to see any of Trump's return, why don't your all post a copy of your very own Tax Returns for the past six years..........right here on Facebook. Bet you're not so willing to do that are you? Every president from Jimmy Carter onwards has had no problem releasing their tax returns. What Trump is most likely afraid of revealing is how little tax he has paid in relation to his income. 2 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post candide Posted April 6, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted April 6, 2019 27 minutes ago, bristolboy said: Every president from Jimmy Carter onwards has had no problem releasing their tax returns. What Trump is most likely afraid of revealing is how little tax he has paid in relation to his income. Not only every president but every main candidate, such as Hillary. And oh surprise! Trump could not show it! 2 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Tug Posted April 6, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted April 6, 2019 The law is not on Donald’s side they will come out.donald will use this as a distraction and a poor me narrative as he trolls anyone who disagrees with him 3 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post sfokevin Posted April 6, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted April 6, 2019 5 1 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Kelsall Posted April 6, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted April 6, 2019 More nonsense from the smear Trump campaign. Like everything else the haters do, it will end up helping Trump. Trump 2020 is assured, just like Trump 2016 was. As entertaining as election eve 2016 was, 2020 is bound to be better. Instead of just seeing Martha Raddatz and others like her crying, we may well see a self-immolation or two! 1 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Thingamabob Posted April 6, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted April 6, 2019 5 hours ago, Boon Mee said: Trump needs to tell them again to go pound sand. While he's under audit by the IRS, he's not allowed to release his taxes. Correct. 2 1 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post bristolboy Posted April 6, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted April 6, 2019 Just now, Kelsall said: More nonsense from the smear Trump campaign. Like everything else the haters do, it will end up helping Trump. Trump 2020 is assured, just like Trump 2016 was. As entertaining as election eve 2016 was, 2020 is bound to be better. Instead of just seeing Martha Raddatz and others like her crying, we may well see a self-immolation or two! Once again a Trumpista who has nothing concrete to say but instead taunts with empty assertions about the 2020 elections. Thanks for the vacuity. 7 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
isaanjohnno Posted April 6, 2019 Share Posted April 6, 2019 Well Trump does have a record- outside that he is not worthy of another keystoke 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Redline Posted April 6, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted April 6, 2019 (edited) 5 hours ago, Boon Mee said: Trump needs to tell them again to go pound sand. While he's under audit by the IRS, he's not allowed to release his taxes. No such law-New York State will get them anyway. He said he would release them remember ???? https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/the-mueller-investigation/ Edited April 6, 2019 by Redline 3 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Redline Posted April 6, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted April 6, 2019 40 minutes ago, sfokevin said: I second your call ???? and give you this https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/the-mueller-investigation/ 1 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Redline Posted April 6, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted April 6, 2019 (edited) What is he hiding? I do recall he said he would release them. Other investigations are asking for them as well. As a public servant, the public has the right to see the information https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/the-mueller-investigation/ Edited April 6, 2019 by Redline 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post scorecard Posted April 6, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted April 6, 2019 5 hours ago, Boon Mee said: Trump needs to tell them again to go pound sand. While he's under audit by the IRS, he's not allowed to release his taxes. What a poor excuse... 2 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post bristolboy Posted April 6, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted April 6, 2019 (edited) 15 minutes ago, scorecard said: What a poor excuse... It's not merely a poor excuse, it's false. There is no law or regulation barring someone who's being audited from releasing tax returns that are being audited. Absolutely none, nada, zilch. It does say something about how narrow are the sources of information accessed by someone who posted such a blatant falsehood. It's been exposed as false over and over again all over the media. Edited April 6, 2019 by bristolboy 3 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post isaanjohnno Posted April 6, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted April 6, 2019 (edited) 26 minutes ago, Thingamabob said: Correct. that's all Trump can do- pound sand- most incompetent POTUS ever and even a bigger liar than the brown clown who raised the bar to that considerably Edited April 6, 2019 by isaanjohnno 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Ulic Posted April 6, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted April 6, 2019 1 hour ago, bristolboy said: Every president from Jimmy Carter onwards has had no problem releasing their tax returns. What Trump is most likely afraid of revealing is how little tax he has paid in relation to his income. Maybe, but I think that Trump wants to keep his tax returns secret because they will show his true net worth in the 500 million range, not the 8 billion he claims. After all, he has said, "I am worth whatever I say I am worth". Trump's value is in his "brand" and his brand is based on him being a billionaire success. His real worth is estimated at around 500 million. He values his "brand" at 8-10 billion. 5 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sawadeeken Posted April 6, 2019 Share Posted April 6, 2019 ANYBODY who has NO REASON to hide things........... DON'T try to HIDE things............ IMHO........ 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tug Posted April 6, 2019 Share Posted April 6, 2019 Ahh poor Donald the word of the law is shall it is totally un ambiguous he can pound all the sand he wants he will be left in tears in his sand box playing the victim.in the end that word shall will force the irs to turn over the docs 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Trouble Posted April 6, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted April 6, 2019 9 hours ago, Boon Mee said: Trump needs to tell them again to go pound sand. While he's under audit by the IRS, he's not allowed to release his taxes. Trump may indeed need to tell them to pound sand but not because he is under audit. Income taxes are private and unless the IRS finds fraud and brings charges in court, income tax records are between the IRS and the individual. Neither Congress nor the public has a "right" to see them. Those requesting the release of the taxes are doing so only for political reasons hoping to find something that might embarrass Trump. If congress wants to pass legislation that all elected (and appointed) officials of the federal government must make their taxes public than so be it but this selective and an abusive use of politics. It's rather disgusting in view of the fact that so many of those in Congress seem to get rich while in public "service" as elected members. If there was ever a time for term limits in Congress this is it. 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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