In response to the news that Trump may not release his tax returns until he’s left office, Americans for Tax Fairness issued the following statement:
“Trump has finally given up the bogus notion that imaginary audits prevent him from releasing his taxes — now he says that he won’t release them until after he’s out of office. Outrageous. With the firing of James Comey and the investigation into Trump’s ties to Russia heating up, the tax returns are more important than ever. The public has a right to know what Trump’s financial ties to Russia are. The returns will also show us how Trump may personally benefit from the policies he’s advancing as president.”
–TJ Helmstetter, spokesperson, Americans for Tax Fairness
BACKGROUND:
- In a newly released transcript, The Economist reports Trump said he doesn’t plan to release his tax returns until he’s out of office, if at all: “Maybe I’ll release them after I’m finished because I’m very proud of them actually. I did a good job.”
- Hope Hicks, Trump’s spokesperson, actually tried to correct the president during the interview. She said, “Once the audit is over.” Trump replied once more: “I might release them after I’m out of office.”
- Days before he was fired, FBI director James Comey was looking for more resources for the Russia investigation.
- The Senate investigation into Trump’s Russia ties has now begun looking into possible financial crimes, making a request to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network unit of the Treasury Department.
- Anna Eshoo introduced H.R. 305, the Presidential Tax Transparency Act, which would require the President and candidates for President to disclose their federal income tax returns.
- 190 members of Congress have signed a discharge petition on the bill. If 218 members sign the discharge petition, the bill must be brought to a vote on the House floor.
- Americans for Tax Fairness and organizational partners are driving supporters to call their Members of Congress at DemandTrumpTaxes.com