Trump's Slush Fund Is Gone – But His IRS Agreement Is a New Level of Self-Dealing
The president's immunity from continuing audits made fewer headlines than the 'anti-weaponization fund', but it's no less egregious
TL;DR
- Donald Trump secured immunity from ongoing IRS audits for himself, his family, and their businesses as part of a lawsuit settlement.
- This immunity deal, potentially worth over $100 million, was part of a settlement for Trump suing the US government over the release of his tax returns.
- The agreement raises concerns about self-dealing and potential violations of laws intended to prevent political interference with the IRS, reminiscent of Richard Nixon's actions.
- The author questions the authority of acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to order the IRS to cease tax investigations.
- Trump has a history of tax avoidance, and the Trump Organization was previously convicted of tax fraud.
- Unlike previous presidents, Trump refused to release his tax returns, citing ongoing audits, though there is no legal prohibition against releasing returns during an investigation.