Mnuchin: Committee’s Request for Trump's Tax Returns 'Lacks a Legitimate Legislative Purpose'
(CNSNews.com) – Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin has rejected a congressional request for six years of President Donald Trump’s confidential tax returns.
In a May 6 letter to Rep. Richard Neal (D-Mass.), the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, Mnuchin wrote: “As you have recognized, the Committee’s request is unprecedented, and it presents serious constitutional questions, the resolution of which may have lasting consequences for all taxpayers.â€
Mnuchin said the Treasury Department consulted with the Justice Department, and based on that advice, “I have determined that the Committee’s request lacks a legitimate legislative purpose.†Therefore, the IRS is “not authorized to disclose the requested returns and return information.â€
Mnuchin said the Justice Department intends to publish its legal opinion “as soon as practicable.â€