Trump Sues IRS and Treasury for $10 Billion Over Tax Return Leak
Former President Donald Trump, along with his sons Donald Jr. and Eric, has filed a massive $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS and the US Treasury Department. They allege a politically motivated leak of their confidential tax records.
Key Details of the Lawsuit
- Plaintiffs: Donald Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump.
- Defendants: Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and US Treasury Department.
- Damages Sought: $10 billion.
- Claim: Unlawful disclosure of private tax information to the House Ways and Means Committee in 2022.
The Core Allegation: A Political Weapon
The lawsuit, filed in a Florida court, states the IRS leaked Trump family tax records as part of a House committee investigation into presidential audits. The committee’s subsequent report found the IRS failed to adequately audit Trump while he was in office.
Trump’s legal team argues this was a clear violation of federal privacy laws. The filing claims the leak was intentional and designed to cause maximum damage.
“This was a deliberate and unlawful attempt to weaponise the government against a political opponent,” the lawsuit alleges.
The document further states the disclosure led to “significant reputational harm” and subjected the family to “public ridicule and scrutiny.”
Legal Hurdles and Broader Context
Legal analysts note that lawsuits for unlawful disclosure against the IRS are uncommon. The case’s success may depend on proving the agency’s intent and directly linking the leak to the claimed financial and reputational harm.
The IRS and Treasury have not commented on the ongoing case. This lawsuit adds to the complex web of legal battles surrounding Trump, who remains a frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.
