Fix the tax code, forget about Trump’s taxes
LETTERS LETTERS@USATODAY.COM Whether or not I support President
Trump, I do not support the cries from many that he release his tax records.
Trump’s tax information is, as it is for all Americans, rightfully considered his private property. Whether they realize it, they are asking that anyone who runs for the highest office in our land give up privacy rights. Is that what we really want? I say no!
Furthermore, at Trump’s income level, he probably receives an audit every year. Those audits look for illegal tax claims and, if found, he would be subject to financial or criminal penalties. I also believe that anything requiring a penalty would become public record too. So, what is the real reason for the interest in his taxes? If Trump is following the laws, it is none of our business. You may want to question how the law was applied, but that would more appropriately be a question directed to our Congress.
I suspect that opinion would supersede legality on Trump’s taxes, and people are likely to form a negative opinion for something that might be totally legal. If there is some other reason, why would we not legislate the release of tax information for presidential candidates? And why stop there? How about adding all elected officials? I think the answer is because, thankfully, cooler heads are prevailing! Tom Tyschper Gilbert, Ariz.
TWITTER @USATOPINION Our followers shared their thoughts on Tax Day marches to request the release of President Trump’s taxes, among other matters.
Someone please explain to me how Trump supporters would not demand to see his taxes, even though he can get any information on them? @rawxe These elite liberals will protest everything the president is doing because they are mad Trump won the election. @RABBIT91605085
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This President Trump tax return thing is a non-starter. It’s only being used by the left as another way to discredit Trump. You can bet Trump and other high rollers are prominent on the Internal Revenue Service’s radar and are closely watched. Bruce Van Deuson
It’s somehow OK for an uberwealthy citizen, now in public office, to pay zero taxes just because he can? And it’s somehow OK for him to not share his finances as the president of the U.S.? It’s somehow OK for him to act like he’s above the law? Michael A. Shea
There is no law that says Trump must release his tax returns. Stop the obstruction and pass tax reform to help all Americans. Mike Loures
Presidential candidates releasing their tax information is a minimum ethical expectation of the American people, and it doesn’t depend on party. So is putting financial assets in a blind trust when taking office. Both of these ethical expectations and standards have been broken by Trump. Wayne Gregersen