Legal Review of Donald Trump’s Tax Case Underway

The New York Times had obtained some of Trump’s tax information shortly before the U.S. presidential election was held. Now, following a court ruling, the New York District Attorney’s office has sought to review the tax file of the former president.

Donald Trump refused to disclose and release his tax documents and records throughout his four-year tenure as president; a phenomenon that has been unprecedented in American political history.

The New York Times, prior to the 2020 U.S. presidential election held on November 3rd, had succeeded in obtaining some of Trump’s tax information. The newspaper had published a report about the amount of Trump’s tax payments.

However, it is now said that the matter has taken on much broader dimensions. The U.S. Supreme Court, despite Trump’s objections and protests, ruled in favor of the New York District Attorney’s office.

Accordingly, the district attorney’s office of this state can now seek access to Donald Trump’s tax files.

Cyrus Vance, the Manhattan District Attorney, had requested in August 2019 that Donald Trump submit his tax files for review by tax auditors.

The matter concerns Trump’s tax files between 2011 and 2018. Trump had refused to comply with the Manhattan District Attorney’s request until the end of his tenure as U.S. president.

The issue of hush money payments to Stormy Daniels, an adult film actress, as well as to Karen McDougal, an actress and Playboy magazine cover star, has also returned to the agenda for legal review.

Trump is accused of making hush money payments to these two individuals before the 2016 election. Cyrus Vance has stated that the review of Trump’s financial and tax records, despite objections from his legal team, currently has much broader dimensions.

The disclosure of Donald Trump’s tax documents and records not only can clarify the assessment of Trump Organization’s assets and financial activities, but can also shed light on his potential tax violations.

Source: DW