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brooklynite

(93,847 posts)
Thu Jan 3, 2019, 08:27 PM Jan 2019

A serious question: why should the House obtain Donald Trump's tax returns?

I don't doubt that they'll reveal dubious business practices. But we don't make policy on the basis of "I don't doubt". We do it based on evidence or solid accusations of wrongdoing. Neither of which have occurred yet. Set aside the fact that he's President. This would establish a policy that the House or Senate can investigate any American's financial records without a compelling reason. Including the Republican Senate. I would strongly encourage waiting until Mueller's report or other collected evidence.

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manor321

(3,344 posts)
1. No. It's part of the investigation of a President that may be under the influence of a foreign power
Thu Jan 3, 2019, 08:30 PM
Jan 2019

The House is doing its own investigation, not just waiting for Mueller. Mueller's scope is limited. The House is not limited.

Bleacher Creature

(11,235 posts)
3. I've never understood it either. It's not like you report illicit activities on your tax return.
Thu Jan 3, 2019, 08:55 PM
Jan 2019

I suppose a good forensic accountant can go through them to prove that he never reported income from what was almost certainly a complex money laundering scheme, essentially going the Al Capone route, but I've long assumed that Mueller has had them for quite some time.

I honestly wouldn't be surprised if the whole point was to show that he's nowhere near as wealthy as he claims, which will drive him nuts.

 

Hoyt

(54,770 posts)
5. Agree. It's not going to show much except for how much he supposedly
Thu Jan 3, 2019, 09:30 PM
Jan 2019

made (or didn’t make compared to what he says), and how much he paid (or didn’t pay) in taxes.

They’ll likely be some other info that trump will say proves he’s honest, and opposition says proves he’s a crook. I believe that latter, but doubt tax returns will prove it.

Tribalceltic

(1,000 posts)
6. He is not a bright person
Thu Jan 3, 2019, 09:57 PM
Jan 2019

I think the citizens have a right to know if he lied or not about his dealings with the IRS.
The mere fact he wants to hide them is a big red flag for me. It doesn't matter what party he belongs to, Hiding your tax returns as a politician is and should be a deal breaker.

Scruffy1

(3,239 posts)
7. Congress has the right to obtain tax records.And there is just cause.
Thu Jan 3, 2019, 10:11 PM
Jan 2019

It's a part of their investigative power. They can not necessarily make them public. Mueller has them and I don't see why they shouldn't be able to look at them, also. It's no different than any other criminal investigation. I can't see why anyone would be concerned about their tax records unless it would show criminal activity. Every public corporation in america shows shows theirs and if you are in business you are going to have to show all your financial documents to get any credit. It might not be the actual forms, but the audited statements will show income and taxes paid. Personally I think every elected official should have to show their tax returns. We would like to know who is paying them. I can print mine for te n years in a few minutes. No big deal.

Goodheart

(5,264 posts)
8. We CAN'T "set aside the fact that he's President"
Thu Jan 3, 2019, 10:34 PM
Jan 2019

He's unique. He has duties and powers that no one else has. Your own tax return should be protected from scrutiny without probable cause, but you are not he and he is not you. He impacts us all; you do not. His office is the justification.

MichMan

(11,785 posts)
9. Are there any limits on whose tax returns can be subpeonaed?
Thu Jan 3, 2019, 10:46 PM
Jan 2019

I don't recall this ever being done before, so asking those who know more about it than I do. Can they subpoena anyone's like McConnell, Limbaugh, Nugent, Hannity, or Wayne Lapierre just to see what's in there ?

I realize that wouldn't happen as the political backlash would be substantial, but legally could it be done?

 

EffieBlack

(14,249 posts)
10. He isn't "any American."
Thu Jan 3, 2019, 10:59 PM
Jan 2019

He's the president of the United States who broke with decades of protocol by refusing to release his tax returns and there is substantial evidence that he is deeply compromised by his business and financial dealings to the point of damaging national security. This is not only a compelling reason to obtain his records but failure to do so is a dereliction of duty.

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