On Tuesday, Sept 1, 2020, a federal appellate court ruled the New York prosecutor’s office cannot obtain President Trump’s tax returns. The news comes months after the Supreme Court ruled that Trump’s presidency does not protect his tax returns from being released.
Despite the Supreme Court granting Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance access to the president’s tax returns, Trump’s lawyers were able to appeal to a lower court.
Furthermore, Trump’s lawyers and Vances’ office have conflicting ideas about the investigation. The president’s lawyers believe Vances’ office has ulterior motives. The president even stated that the case is a “continuation of the most disgusting witch hunt in the history of our country.”
However, Vance’s’ office believes they are misinterpreting the investigation. Vance says his office does not have any ulterior motives. The reason they have not announced anything publicly is due to the case being in the hands of the grand jury. For this reason, everything about the case is confidential.
Congress And Misleading Tax Records
Additionally, according to AJC, “The investigation was initially launched after Michael Cohen-Trump’s former personal lawyer-alleged that Trump misled tax officials, insurers, and business associates.” Due to these claims, Congress and Vances’ office decided to pursue the president’s financial records.
The prolonged investigation is due to the pushback from Trump’s lawyers. Additionally, the Supreme Court also helped in prolonging the investigation by withholding the president’s financial records last month. Despite Trump’s promises to release his tax returns during his presidential bid, he has repeatedly refused to after being elected. Thus, making him the only president in modern-day history to do so.
Written by Reginae Echols
Edited by Cathy Milne-Ware
Sources:
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Court blocks release of Trump tax returns amid latest appeal
Featured Image Courtesy of Gage Skidmore’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inline Image Courtesy of Richie Diesterheft’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
