BBC News - US Supreme Court hears arguments over Trump's tax returns

today

The US Supreme Court has heard arguments on whether President Donald Trump should be allowed to keep his financial records secret, in a major showdown over presidential powers.

 

Mr Trump has refused to share documents that could shed light on his fortune and the work of his family company.

 

Two congressional committees and New York prosecutors demand the release of his tax returns and other information.

 

Mr Trump's private lawyers argue he enjoys total immunity while in office.

 

A ruling is expected within weeks. 

 

Unlike other recent presidents, Mr Trump has refused to release his tax returns and a decision against him could result in his personal financial information becoming public in the campaign season.

 

Experts say the ruling will have far-reaching implications for the ability of Congress to scrutinise the activities of sitting presidents and of prosecutors to investigate them.

 

The judges heard the cases remotely because of the coronavirus pandemic. 

 

The Supreme Court has a 5-4 conservative majority and includes two Trump appointees - Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh. ...

 

The Washington Post - Supreme Court debate over Trump’s tax returns, business records points to a mixed outcome

today

The highly anticipated Supreme Court arguments Tuesday over President Trump’s efforts to block disclosure of his income tax returns and private financial records suggested the possibility of a mixed outcome.

 

Moreover, several justices suggested there might be more work for lower courts to do, which could delay any turnover of the documents being sought by congressional Democrats and Manhattan’s district attorney until after November’s election. ...

 

None indicated they agreed with the assertion from Trump’s private lawyer Jay A. Sekulow that the president enjoyed immunity from investigation while in office. ...

 

The timing of the hearings means the high court’s rulings will probably land this summer in the midst of the 2020 presidential election campaign. ...