Trump and His Sons Sue IRS and US Treasury Over Leaked Tax Information
US President Donald Trump, along with his sons Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., has initiated a lawsuit against the IRS and the US Treasury, seeking an astounding $10 billion (£7.25 billion) in damages over leaked tax information. This high-stakes case highlights ongoing concerns about privacy and the handling of sensitive financial data.
Key Details of the Lawsuit
– Circumstances of the Leak: The lawsuit centers around the actions of former IRS contractor Charles Chaz Littlejohn, who was sentenced to five years in prison for leaking private tax disclosures to various media outlets.
– Allegations Against the IRS and Treasury: The Trump family claims that both the IRS and the Treasury had a legal obligation to protect their personal financial information but failed to enforce necessary safeguards.
– Impact of the Leaks: The lawsuit asserts that the leaks resulted in significant reputational damage, financial loss, and public embarrassment for the Trump family. They allege that the disclosures unfairly tarnished their business images and portrayed them in an inaccurate light.
Background Context
– Trump’s Tax Returns: In the lead-up to the 2016 election, Trump chose not to release his tax returns, citing an ongoing audit—a first for any presidential candidate in nearly 50 years. He repeated this stance during his 2020 campaign.
– NY Times Report: In September 2020, just before the November election, The New York Times published an in-depth report revealing that Trump paid only $750 in federal income taxes the year he became president and none for ten of the previous fifteen years. Trump later released his tax documents in 2022.
Allegations Against Littlejohn
– Political Motivation: Littlejohn reportedly viewed Trump as a dangerous individual and felt that leaking the tax information was justified to highlight what he perceived as a threat to democracy.
– Personal Agenda: The lawsuit describes Littlejohn’s actions as an abuse of his access to taxpayer data, driven by a belief that he was above the law.
Conclusion
The ongoing legal battle underscores the importance of safeguarding personal financial information, especially for high-profile individuals. The Trump family’s lawsuit against the IRS and the US Treasury raises critical questions about privacy protections and the responsibilities of federal agencies in ensuring the confidentiality of taxpayer data. As this case unfolds, it will serve as a benchmark for future discussions surrounding financial privacy and the ramifications of unauthorized disclosures.