Treasury Secretary Mnuchin isn’t being as strident as Trump’s acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, who recently said Congress would never see Trump’s tax returns.
This morning on Fox Business he indicated that he would follow the law when it comes to releasing Trump’s tax returns, which he is analyzing now in conjunction with the DOJ.
Here’s more:
REUTERS – U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Monday he will follow the law regarding Congress’ request for U.S. President Donald Trump’s tax returns but reiterated his concerns about lawmakers’ demands for the documents.
“We’re analyzing the law, we’re consulting with the Department of Justice,” Mnuchin said in an interview on Fox Business Network.
Congressional Democrats and the Trump administration are headed for a legal showdown after House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal imposed an April 23 deadline for the documents.
“I will follow the law,” Mnuchin told the cable network, adding that he would also review related “constitutional issues” carefully. He is involved in the decision since the department has oversight of the IRS.
Mnuchin reiterated his concern that Democrats’ demand could lead the federal tax agency to become a tool for political disputes.
This really is nothing more than a fishing expedition by Democrats who want to either impeach Trump or find something so terrible that the general public won’t reelect him. Put simply, they are trying to weaponize the IRS against Trump.
Regardless of that fact, Congress does have a right to request tax returns. Whether that right extends to the president’s tax returns will probably end up being the subject of a big fight in court, with the Supreme Court being the final say.
Watch Mnuchin’s interview for more: