Former President Donald Trump
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A federal court ruled that Congress could obtain Trump’s tax returns.
Judge David B. Sentelle ruled that Congress’ request for Trump’s returns was legitimate.
The ruling does not mean that the American people will see Trump’s returns.
A federal court ruled on Tuesday that House lawmakers can obtain former President Donald Trump’s tax returns from the IRS.
DC Circuit Court of Appeals Judge David B. Sentelle ruled that House Democrats’ request for Trump’s returns “did not violate separation of powers principles” and that lawmakers on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee have a legitimate reason to obtain the returns in order to better monitor the IRS’ policy of auditing sitting presidents.
The ruling does not mean that Trump’s returns will be made public. But the House Ways and Means Committee said shortly after the decision that it expected to obtain the “requested tax returns and audit files immediately.” As a presidential candidate, Trump broke decades of precedence by refusing to release any of his tax returns. As president, he and his lawyers have repeatedly fought efforts to compel him to turn over his tax returns or other sensitive financial documents.
The news comes just a day after FBI agents in an unrelated case raided Trump’s private home in Florida. Agents were reportedly at Mar-a-Lago to investigate whether Trump properly handled classified information.
This is a breaking news story. Stay with Insider for more updates.