The US Congress must be given access to former President Donald Trump’s tax returns. The Supreme Court of the United States decided on Tuesday. During the Trump presidency between 2017 and 2021, he refused to release his tax records, becoming the first president in 40 years.
Trump fought for a long time to release his tax returns. Lower courts also ruled in favor of the Democrats who wanted to see the documents, but then the former president could still appeal. With the Supreme Court’s decision, Trump now has no legal options to oppose the release of his tax information. That means the so-called Ways and Means committee, which investigates government budgets, gains more insight into the former president’s financial past.
For the former president, the decision is the second legal defeat in a short time. In October, the Supreme Court denied a request from Trump to access documents seized during the search of his Palm Beach estate.
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In January, after the midterm elections on November 8, the Republicans will again have the majority in the House of Representatives. Until then, the committee can realize the release. If it takes longer, the Republicans will most likely drop the request.
On November 16, Trump announced his intention to run again in the 2024 US presidential election.