CONFLICT?

Mnuchin: White House, Treasury Lawyers Discussed Trump Tax Returns Before Dems’ Request

The Treasury secretary said it would be “premature” to comment on how the department will handle the request.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin revealed to lawmakers on Tuesday that White House lawyers have been in touch with the Treasury about the House Democrats’ demand for six-years worth of the president’s tax returns. Mnuchin had not previously revealed that the White House was involved in the Treasury’s decision; the process is meant to be separate from White House interference to prevent corruption. Mnuchin also said he has not spoken to Trump about the Democrats’ demand. Trump has set up a legal team to fight the request made by Rep. Richard Neal (D-MA), chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee.

Mnuchin said it would be “premature” to comment on how the Treasury would handle the request. “It is our intent to follow the law,” Mnuchin said. “It is being reviewed by the legal departments and we look forward to responding to the letter.” The decision on whether to turn over the presidents’ tax returns to Congress is expected to fall to the IRS and Mnuchin—one of the Trump’s most loyal aides.

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