As far as Trump is concerned I completely agree!
But not to be duplicitous as the Editorial seems to be... I would also love to know why were they not so insistent for the current Commander-in-Chief to release his Birth certificate and open his academic records that are still sealed...
What is the nation that voted him twice into highest office is so undeserving to know...?
But not to be duplicitous as the Editorial seems to be... I would also love to know why were they not so insistent for the current Commander-in-Chief to release his Birth certificate and open his academic records that are still sealed...
What is the nation that voted him twice into highest office is so undeserving to know...?
23
Thank you New York Times for focusing on this vital issue. We the people do not have access to Trump, nor can we ask him questions about this. But if media outlets like the NYT continue to ask the tough questions, they will provide a public service for the rest of us.
76
Don the Con does not want us to know that he is not as rich as he claimed and that he is getting some of his money fro
Russia!
Russia!
74
We the people demand the disclosure of Mr. Trump's full tax returns of the last few years, either by his own action or by that of a good samaritan out there somewhere....
55
AS public figures attempting to influence the political process, I anxiously await the Grey Lady's Editorial Board members decision to release their personal tax returns.
I will even host those returns on my blog.
Crickets.... I am hearing nothing but crickets....
I will even host those returns on my blog.
Crickets.... I am hearing nothing but crickets....
9
Donald Trump knows...bupkis...of what is essential, required, necessary, needed and just plain nice to know when one is aspiring to the oval office; but, giving the devil his due, Der Donald T does know how to work a deal and come out ahead, even if its at the expense of others, as the public records of his deals illustrate.
Why journalists are shying away from (read 'avoiding') some good old time investigative journalism to uncover the truth about Donald Trump's professed business acumen is a mystery most perplexing...especially after coming of age during a time of almost ruthless investigative journalism. (Where are the aspiring Woodward's and Bernstein's ??? - Bet dollars to dreams, in the investigative-journalism world of today, Nixon and the GOP would have gotten away clean!)
Why journalists are shying away from (read 'avoiding') some good old time investigative journalism to uncover the truth about Donald Trump's professed business acumen is a mystery most perplexing...especially after coming of age during a time of almost ruthless investigative journalism. (Where are the aspiring Woodward's and Bernstein's ??? - Bet dollars to dreams, in the investigative-journalism world of today, Nixon and the GOP would have gotten away clean!)
41
Mr. Trump is implying that Mr. Romney should have lied to the American People about his taxes just to win the white house. That says all we need to know about Donald Trump.
62
The fourth estate--all segments--should do a better job holding Mr. Trump's feet to the fire. Every single one of his interviewers should, without fail, never let him get away before asking him why he hasn't released his returns and following up that query with "When?" If the press keeps giving him a pass, he'll dodge and obfuscate forever.
64
Is there any significance to the notion that "Donald Ducks"?
32
Seth Meyers said it the best in an open challenge to Trump:
“Trump, I think you’re not releasing your taxes because you don’t have any money. I think you’re broke. I don’t even think you have an accountant. I think you use TurboTax.”
““You’re not running for president because you want the power or you want to make America great, I think you need the $400,000 a year salary”
Seth Meyers is going after Trump EVERY NIGHT no holds barred.
Even telling Trump-“You can’t come on my show!”
He’s the ONLY one in media going after Trump. Stewart’s basically gone except for one 7 minute derisive comment. Colbert has sold out. Only Meyers has the guts.
Good on ya Seth!
“Trump, I think you’re not releasing your taxes because you don’t have any money. I think you’re broke. I don’t even think you have an accountant. I think you use TurboTax.”
““You’re not running for president because you want the power or you want to make America great, I think you need the $400,000 a year salary”
Seth Meyers is going after Trump EVERY NIGHT no holds barred.
Even telling Trump-“You can’t come on my show!”
He’s the ONLY one in media going after Trump. Stewart’s basically gone except for one 7 minute derisive comment. Colbert has sold out. Only Meyers has the guts.
Good on ya Seth!
99
Beyond the numerous falsehoods and outrageous comments put forth by Trump, his undisclosed tax returns represent yet another "doogie" in the punch bowl. Paul Muller-Reed had it right in his comment. Where the hell is the press (and I would include print media) calling for him to release his returns? The free press is supposed to speak truth to power and force facts into the open. DO YOUR JOB!!!!
45
The Clinton campaign fails to capitalize on Trump's weakness. I am afraid for Ms Clinton during the debates she is too polite for a loose tongue.
13
My thoughts are that if you see Drumpf's returns you'll also the see borscht covered fingerprints of Russians all over them. Meaning that the Russians were probably funding his (self-funded) primary run.
39
@donaldtrump you wanted Obama to show his birth certificate (something that happened 50 years ago) whereas you cannot show your tax returns (something that happened last year......? stop hiding behind "they are under audit".....
63
Not sure I would describe the Donald's tweets as "pithy."
17
The simple fact is that with the exception of the returns for the year under review, there is absolutely no reason why the rest aren't offered up for transparency, and disclosure.......unless of course, Trump knows that there are issues and he doesn't want them under the public microscope......you be the judge.
22
did you say Donald Ducks ? hum could be a new campaign slogan
19
Perhaps their release would shed some light on Trump's love of Putin. See: http://talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/trump-putin-yes-it-s-really-a-thing
11
Give it a break. This daily avalanche of negative articles and "News" stories about Trump is getting old. If Trump were have as bad as you say he is every day in your "newspaper" he would be broke and behind bars by now. According to the NYT Trump is the worst person in the World and Hillary Clinton is the best. Be patient. When his tax returns are released, and they will be unless the IRS is deliberately holding up the release so the NYT and the other Trump haters can complain, they will be in accordance with all of the laws and regulations and the return will be perfect according to the IRS. If that is the case, there is nothing to criticize. He will have paid what he owed based on the laws for the type of income he has. If the amount is not to your liking them laws have to be changed for everyone.
16
Perhaps we can get some Russians to hack the IRS and spill the beans on Trump. Perhaps Wikileaks can be fair and balanced and do the same for Donald. No matter what the source there is a need to know what his returns look like. Is there an IRSleaks somewhere?
It is clear that he does not want us to know what is in them and being a trustworthy but black soul we should trust him.
It is clear that he does not want us to know what is in them and being a trustworthy but black soul we should trust him.
16
Ah, the skirmishes between the IRS and Trump! If anything, Trump's actions and words lead one to presume he is something like an opportunistic pathogen of venomous virulence. Tax returns may be some of the least of his drawbacks. His more than many dozens of dudgeons do attest to the fact that he simply can not stand scrutiny without counterattacking the scrutineers. His infernal innuendos about Capt. Humayun Khan's ''gold star'' parents, his nonsensical comments on Ukraine, and now his dilly-dallying tactics on his tax returns speak volumes of his campaign attempts turn utterly topsy-turvy.
His hubris and heterodoxy are completely consuming any semblance of sanity, which might be still lurking inside him. He continues to lack any smidgen of serenity and sensitivity. Much to the chagrin of many observers, he blows almost all the traditional tacts of magnanimity and sagacity to smithereens. One can only hope this election teaches him the tenets of humility, if he loses miserably to the Dems.
But then, we are still faced with this ''Sophie's choice'', between him and HRC, who still has to be accountable for her email and Benghazi blunders. Nixon must be chuckling at these events in his grave.
His hubris and heterodoxy are completely consuming any semblance of sanity, which might be still lurking inside him. He continues to lack any smidgen of serenity and sensitivity. Much to the chagrin of many observers, he blows almost all the traditional tacts of magnanimity and sagacity to smithereens. One can only hope this election teaches him the tenets of humility, if he loses miserably to the Dems.
But then, we are still faced with this ''Sophie's choice'', between him and HRC, who still has to be accountable for her email and Benghazi blunders. Nixon must be chuckling at these events in his grave.
4
Why do something that you can get away with not doing? Like pay small contractors, paying off debt, or honoring treaties and alliances, why release tax forms when you can get away with not doing it.
24
By the way, both disclosure of tax details and national security briefings, are traditional, but not legal requiremnts, for candidates....it would appear Citizen Don is walking both sides of the street.
7
Still waiting for the Times to do an expose on the Clinton Charity and where the millions that fund it come from.
14
Michael Bloomburg has already called Donald Trump out over his so-called success in business. Anyone who has any sense knows that Trump is a fraud. He doesn't own those buildings with his name on them.
Trump is keeping his income tax returns secret for the 'rubes'. For his beloved 'poorly educated' that think if a man says he's RICH loudly and very often, he must be. That's why it's called 'fool's gold'
Trump is keeping his income tax returns secret for the 'rubes'. For his beloved 'poorly educated' that think if a man says he's RICH loudly and very often, he must be. That's why it's called 'fool's gold'
18
The NYT seems to have forgotten the Hillary equivalent here. If she didn't make promises in her $225,000 per speech speeches to Wall Street why won't she release the transcripts of her speeches? I'm sure this is just an honest oversight by the NYT editorial board, after all they have been incredibly fair to Trump up to this point on the editorial pages. Wake up liberals, the over the top double standard here is embarrassing, even in the lefts flagship paper.
11
Fox Business indicates that Trump has taken advantage of a NY tax credit for families earning less than $500,000 per year. And has taken this credit in multiple recent years. Kind of damning for a 'billionaire'.
http://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/2016/07/22/is-trump-earning-less-tha...
http://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/2016/07/22/is-trump-earning-less-tha...
13
The Times must keep this very prudent demand highly visible and not let it languish for one day of the campaign. Maybe, just maybe, and as hard as it might be to believe, after full disclosure of the tax statements Donald will join "crooked Hilary" as "crooked Donald".
5
Perhaps someone needs to hack into his tax returns.
9
Trump should turn over his tax returns...right after Hillary turns over the 30,000 missing emails.
The hypocrisy and bias of this newspaper knows no bounds.
The hypocrisy and bias of this newspaper knows no bounds.
7
Maybe he has a server too like the distinguished candidate opposing him. Wouldn't it be great if it was the same server !!
5
Does the New York Times have any idea how little its priorities matter to the vast majority of Americans?
7
The American people also deserved to see Barack Obama's college records.
6
We need to see his taxes, at a minimum and especially relative to his dealings with and in Russia. Perhaps his pals in Russia can hack the IRS for us?
3
the rich gets richer and the party of the poor gets poorer, I'll vote for the rich.they don't need my money
1
Fine. Trump doesn't want to show this year's tax returns because they are allegedly being audited -- something the IRS can neither confirm nor deny. A convenient cover/excuse.
So Trump: why don't you release your previous years' tax returns -- you know, the ones that aren't being audited.
Still holding my breath.
So Trump: why don't you release your previous years' tax returns -- you know, the ones that aren't being audited.
Still holding my breath.
12
OK , Donald, don't release the return which is being audited - how about the ones before that?
14
I don't have much, but I would bet everything I have that Trump is hiding something. A man who boasts almost daily about how wealthy he is, yet he won't show his returns?
Do you smell that?
Let's see how long the American public can put up with the stench.
Do you smell that?
Let's see how long the American public can put up with the stench.
16
Finally the NYT is joining the chorus that Donald Trump needs to disclose his full income tax returns. He obviously is hiding things that he does not want the voters to see. It is particularly important since there is growing evidence that Trump may be heavily leveraged to Putin and Russian oligarchs; this could definitely influence his foreign policy decisions. Already there is much smoke and the dots are being connected. This is a matter of national security of our country and for this reason I would call on Republicans, Independents, as well as Democrats to join in demanding that Trump release his tax forms. As many others have commented here there is NO EXCUSE for him not to do what every other POTUS candidate has done since 1976. That he is being audited is NO EXCUSE!
9
Another writer (from Berkeley, CA but I forget who) commented on another NYT Trump story that any bankruptcy proceeding includes providing one's tax returns for some period of time, and that New York bankruptcy filings are public documents.
If this is true, it should not be very difficult for journalists to obtain Trump's tax returns.
Your move, NYT?
If this is true, it should not be very difficult for journalists to obtain Trump's tax returns.
Your move, NYT?
16
Every single main-stream newspaper should have one editorial every single day that demands that Trump releases a couple of tax returns. If he doesn't want to release the 2015 return for whatever absurd reason, then he can release 2013 and 2014. When I say every single major newspaper, I mean the Wall Street Journal (yeah, you), this paper, the Washington Post, the Miami Herald, the LA Times, the San Francisco Chronicle, the Christian Science Monitor...Every single day! To compare this with Hillary releasing speech transcripts is apples and oranges. Release the darn returns!!! Or, get out of the race, you putz!
19
You and I have no right to see his returns - anymore than he has a right to see our returns - this 'right' has been manufactured over time and enforced by the bully pulpit.
"...particularly considering his history of bankruptcies,"
Trump has never declared bankruptcy - his businesses have - there is a difference and it is sloppy writing and sloppy logic to conflate the two.
"...particularly considering his history of bankruptcies,"
Trump has never declared bankruptcy - his businesses have - there is a difference and it is sloppy writing and sloppy logic to conflate the two.
4
Trump is hiding a lot in his taxes.
9
It is a short leap from secrecy to a suggestion of impropriety.
7
REALLY? Trump needs to release his tax returns??? Why does ANYONE who has again and again… and AGAIN... shown himself to be a hypocritical, repulsive and obnoxious liar and con artist need to produce additional proof that he’s a hypocritical, repulsive and obnoxious liar and con artist? The mind boggles. Should we also be asking the GOP to prove that Nixon resigned in disgrace, that Bush invaded Iraq or that water runs downhill?
5
“Mr. Trump looked back and rued the Romney disclosure, declaring, “He might have lost the election over that.”
So is Mr. Trump suggesting that it is unwise to disclose your tax returns, if such disclosure might cause your defeat in the presidential election?
Mr. Trump’s supposedly wise remark actually puts him in an awkward Catch-22 situation – to win, he needs to release them; but if he releases them he can’t win!
So is Mr. Trump suggesting that it is unwise to disclose your tax returns, if such disclosure might cause your defeat in the presidential election?
Mr. Trump’s supposedly wise remark actually puts him in an awkward Catch-22 situation – to win, he needs to release them; but if he releases them he can’t win!
4
He's Donald Duck henceforth.
8
It will reveal he is on the payroll of Vladimir Putin's Oligarchs, that is what he is afraid of. Or as Donald says, "what's wrong with having good relations with Russia?"
10
Nothing prevents Donald Trump from releasing his 2014 tax returns.
14
And to all the Trump Supporters out there, this does not bother you? The fact that your 'tell it like it is candidate' will not show it like it is? Every day I find myself more and more amazed in terms of this nominee and his flagrant disregard for pretty much everything and everyone. And yet the people love him! To paraphrase a journalist I saw this morning on CNN, why are we even having this discussion? How did it and he get to this point? He has absolutely nothing to recommend him. I keep thinking the late Alan Funt is going to appear and say, GOTCHA!
14
The continuous double standard is on the one hand, amazing --it reveals the total mental blockade from his acolyties-- and on the other hand, embarrassing. When are his acolytes even going to realize that they are being conned, used and abused.
8
Think back to when Trump bellowed that he could shoot somebody in NYC and no one would testify against him. Sounds like bluster but it's true. His supporters didn't flinch when he attacked John McCain as a loser or when he asserted his superiority in the fight against ISIS vis-à-vis "the generals."
The fact is that his voters simply don't care - about his multiple bankruptcies, divorces or missing tax returns. Wake up people, he's got an excellent chance of winning because so many folks have given up on the system and are willing to "take a chance" on Trump's blend of nativist/anti-intellectualism and fact-free solutions. I'm sure that lots of Germans felt the same way about the guy with the ridiculous mustache, the slick-backed hair and the nifty salute.
The fact is that his voters simply don't care - about his multiple bankruptcies, divorces or missing tax returns. Wake up people, he's got an excellent chance of winning because so many folks have given up on the system and are willing to "take a chance" on Trump's blend of nativist/anti-intellectualism and fact-free solutions. I'm sure that lots of Germans felt the same way about the guy with the ridiculous mustache, the slick-backed hair and the nifty salute.
19
Voters deserve to know what the Republican nominee is hiding.
I'd sooner want to know what YOU are hiding!
I'd sooner want to know what YOU are hiding!
Would you buy a used car from this man?
13
Maybe the Russian hackers can make a side trip? :)
4
I have a suggestion for the NYT:
Release an imagined tax return for Mr. Trump, showing that he is not as rich as he claims, that he doesn't contribute to charities, has borrowed heavily from Russia, etc. etc. Make him defend it!
Release an imagined tax return for Mr. Trump, showing that he is not as rich as he claims, that he doesn't contribute to charities, has borrowed heavily from Russia, etc. etc. Make him defend it!
6
No brainer that they should be released. Just incredible that voters are willing to overlook not doing so. Our congress should pass a law requiring it. Not holding my breath.....
7
Dems are yet to focus on the real issues to attack Trump, than get diverted by issues and people like Mr Khan (his name is Khan and he is a patriot. Period.).
1
Tax returns ... Duh!
I call on all political parties to make it a requirement of receiving a nomination that tax returns be made public. I would never vote for a candidate unwilling to do so.
And hey, New York Times -- it's not just the tax returns, what about Mr. Trump's statements that he will not put his assets into a blind trust during his presidency, should he be elected?
I call on all political parties to make it a requirement of receiving a nomination that tax returns be made public. I would never vote for a candidate unwilling to do so.
And hey, New York Times -- it's not just the tax returns, what about Mr. Trump's statements that he will not put his assets into a blind trust during his presidency, should he be elected?
12
Hillary Clinton hasn't held an open press conference THIS YEAR.
Hillary Clinton was accused by the director of the FBI of committing over 33 felonies. Hillary Clinton made pay to play speeches to Wall Street insiders. Hillary and Bill Clinton have made tens of millions with the Clinton foundation that they've pocketed. Hillary Clinton and the DNC rigged the ENTIRE election so that Hillary would be the nominee.
But yeah, what is Trump hiding?
Seriously liberals? Seriously?
Hillary Clinton was accused by the director of the FBI of committing over 33 felonies. Hillary Clinton made pay to play speeches to Wall Street insiders. Hillary and Bill Clinton have made tens of millions with the Clinton foundation that they've pocketed. Hillary Clinton and the DNC rigged the ENTIRE election so that Hillary would be the nominee.
But yeah, what is Trump hiding?
Seriously liberals? Seriously?
9
Maybe the question isn't about being audited at all, but is he under investigation for tax fraud? The IRS has already said he can release any tax years he desires. They are not stopping him in any way. So what the heck is he hiding. Other than his FIVE military deferrals??
5
oh for the love of g0d - where is the Times' ire regarding the Clinton Foundation?
Presumably Trump has complied with the law and has filed, and the IRS is certainly entitled to audit him since he's running.
But the Times' editor's increasingly unhinged departure from journalistic ethics is becoming nauseating.
And we have likely seen the tip of the iceberg in re Clinton Foundation scandals. There is still no actual proof that the Russian government had any involvement - none. Really.
On the other hand the leak MAY have come from NSA itself:
http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2016-07-31/whistleblowers-stunning-claim-n...
Will the Times and the rest of the corporate media once again desperately try to keep the focus off the substance and the 'who' of the leak?
come on guys - Trump being awful doesn't mean Hillary should get a free pass.
Do your jobs.
Presumably Trump has complied with the law and has filed, and the IRS is certainly entitled to audit him since he's running.
But the Times' editor's increasingly unhinged departure from journalistic ethics is becoming nauseating.
And we have likely seen the tip of the iceberg in re Clinton Foundation scandals. There is still no actual proof that the Russian government had any involvement - none. Really.
On the other hand the leak MAY have come from NSA itself:
http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2016-07-31/whistleblowers-stunning-claim-n...
Will the Times and the rest of the corporate media once again desperately try to keep the focus off the substance and the 'who' of the leak?
come on guys - Trump being awful doesn't mean Hillary should get a free pass.
Do your jobs.
5
The Russians should hack the iRS and get Comrade Trump's tax returns and give them to WikiLeaks. Fat chance.
2
Why can't the IRS speed up the finish of the audit? They have had ample time since he has been a candidate for the past year. Plus what about returns from earlier years? Are all of Trump's returns under review? Doesn't make sense.
4
It would be a great opportunity for Trump to expose just how unfair IRS has been to him for all the world to see. To claim IRS is unfair when he can clearly demonstrate that unfairness by releasing his return, and all IRS correspondence as to what the IRS said, how he responded to false accusation from IRS with valor, his reply, why he thinks IRS is moronic in auditing him would be great for people sympathize with him in his agony at the hands of IRS. People can just see how hard he fights for the country, by way of fighting for himself to get elected and cut funding for IRS.
He can do this over twitter: just release the whole think bit but bit, creating news, consuming all news hours of the day. And then when people comment on his twitter posts against IRS, he can go on TV and defend those. What better way to take the air out of all substantive issues and save the country from the real discussions that need to be had,
He can do this over twitter: just release the whole think bit but bit, creating news, consuming all news hours of the day. And then when people comment on his twitter posts against IRS, he can go on TV and defend those. What better way to take the air out of all substantive issues and save the country from the real discussions that need to be had,
1
First, we had the "Mrs. Clinton, Show Voters Those Transcripts" New York Times editorial on February 26, 2016.
Now, we have the "Donald Trump Ducks Tax Disclosure" New York Times editorial today.
Maybe it's time that both candidates for the Office of President of the United States to lay their cards on the table at the same time.
It's too late to do Senator Bernie Sanders any good because "that ship has sailed."
But who knows how much good belated truth for the American electorate will do. "Better a little late than never" is my motto.
Now, we have the "Donald Trump Ducks Tax Disclosure" New York Times editorial today.
Maybe it's time that both candidates for the Office of President of the United States to lay their cards on the table at the same time.
It's too late to do Senator Bernie Sanders any good because "that ship has sailed."
But who knows how much good belated truth for the American electorate will do. "Better a little late than never" is my motto.
7
If I had one wish, and one wish only this election season, it is to hear the IRS say "Mr. Trump's audit is complete."
4
Is it possible to crowdsource funding for a lawsuit to force Trump to release his tax returns? any thoughts?
2
My god, if Hillary wasn't disclosing her tax returns you wouldn't be able to hear yourself think for the snarling roar of indignation that would spew from all corners of the republican conspiracy machine. The hypocrisy is almost unbearable.
12
I fear a Trump Recession, if he wins the election. His stupidity and dishonesty could easily trigger a lack of confidence in the economy.
Also, I fear the Trumpism could spread around the country and around the world creating more damage to world stability and economy.
Like the Zika virus, wrecklessness and stupidity can spread beyond borders and without control.
The only thing we have to fear is ... Donald Trump!
Also, I fear the Trumpism could spread around the country and around the world creating more damage to world stability and economy.
Like the Zika virus, wrecklessness and stupidity can spread beyond borders and without control.
The only thing we have to fear is ... Donald Trump!
6
Hey there Donald Trump
Just release your tax returns
instead of tweeting
Just release your tax returns
instead of tweeting
3
It is imperative for all journalist to push him to release his tax returns.
5
So the editorial board states: "The voters deserve to know what Mr. Trump is hiding".
Don't the voters deserve to know what Hillary is hiding? Or do we have to rely on foreign governments who hacked her private unsecured server she so stupidly installed in her basement when she was Secretary of State? Apparently the NYT has no concern for our national secrets put at risk by a totally incompetent SOS.
Don't the voters deserve to know what Hillary is hiding? Or do we have to rely on foreign governments who hacked her private unsecured server she so stupidly installed in her basement when she was Secretary of State? Apparently the NYT has no concern for our national secrets put at risk by a totally incompetent SOS.
4
Is the Times making a statement by using the words "Donald" and "Ducks" in the same short headline? That would be understandable given the man's quackery on all social, political and economic issues. Still, he may win if enough voters show their typical disregard for the evidence he steadily puts before us about his character. He is indeed seeking the bully's pulpit.
6
And this is the man who kept "demanding" Obama "disclose" his birth certificate, etc! I'd say it's rather ironic, but totally hypocritical fits better.
14
Maybe he claimed his hair grooming as business expense and it is Huge.
He has given many people nicknames. It's about time that he receive one -- Dodging Donald!
He has given many people nicknames. It's about time that he receive one -- Dodging Donald!
4
Sounds like a job for Russian hackers.
4
Thank you for writing about this - keep it up. This reader, for one, is very interested to see where this issue leads, and is pretty confident that there's a reason he won't disclose.
7
When the NYTimes wanted Romney's returns, and they were released, they claimed they wanted more years.
When voters wanted to see what was paid to Clinton for her invitation to 'private meetings' with various businesses, including banks, they were told 'no.' Clinton claims she was broke when she left the white house; something I find impossible to believe as both she and her husband get checks from the government for life, and she basks in a home in Westchester - not a place where 'broke' people can live.
I'd like to know about Trump's tax returns, but I understand that he is being investigated in court by the IRS? Don't know why, perhaps we'll find out. Maybe? Not.
Seems that both sides have something to hide, all sides. What is it, and why are we just talking about Trump? Again.
When voters wanted to see what was paid to Clinton for her invitation to 'private meetings' with various businesses, including banks, they were told 'no.' Clinton claims she was broke when she left the white house; something I find impossible to believe as both she and her husband get checks from the government for life, and she basks in a home in Westchester - not a place where 'broke' people can live.
I'd like to know about Trump's tax returns, but I understand that he is being investigated in court by the IRS? Don't know why, perhaps we'll find out. Maybe? Not.
Seems that both sides have something to hide, all sides. What is it, and why are we just talking about Trump? Again.
We want the tax returns. Russia, if you are listening ....
3
But to his followers a pithy comment is MORE than enough. I've had debates with several of his fans who argue aggressively against his need to do so. If they came out and it showed he paid no taxes. they would see it as a triumph of the little man against the evil tax system using it's own rules against them.
The only thing I see as little about him are his scruples, knowledge base and lack of empathy ..... oh, and his tiny, tiny hands.
The only thing I see as little about him are his scruples, knowledge base and lack of empathy ..... oh, and his tiny, tiny hands.
3
Trump can't release his taxes, they're in Russian.
6
I blame the press for letting Trump get away with this line. With all the discussion, why hasn't someone asked him to release a year prior to what is being audited?
5
Trump has consistently followed a strategy that's worked for him so far: "Distract and concur". That's why he makes outrageous comments and creates a new controversy each time the previous one subsides. Kudos to NY Times for bringing back attention to the important issue of tax returns.
People opposing to this dangerous man should bring this up in media posts and ads: "Release those returns Mr. Trump, what are you hiding?"
People opposing to this dangerous man should bring this up in media posts and ads: "Release those returns Mr. Trump, what are you hiding?"
7
There is no audit taking place on Trumps Tax Returns....Is this a fact...
Editors: is there no audit by the IRS on Trumps Tax Returns: well
that is the title of this article......so why not just state the truth..
because...what follows is your subtitle..
Really editors you may not be like Bill Buckley...but for God's sake ...
being as coherent and posing the logic as he did...i.e. ...English Composition
is important...so never mind the mindlessness of "twitter" reporting.
Write coherently...please...!!!
Editors: is there no audit by the IRS on Trumps Tax Returns: well
that is the title of this article......so why not just state the truth..
because...what follows is your subtitle..
Really editors you may not be like Bill Buckley...but for God's sake ...
being as coherent and posing the logic as he did...i.e. ...English Composition
is important...so never mind the mindlessness of "twitter" reporting.
Write coherently...please...!!!
3
Don the Con
He is not a billioniare
He is leverage to the hilt
His banking partners are despots - like Putin
Show me how you spend your money and I will tell you your values
He will hide this for as long as he can
He is not a billioniare
He is leverage to the hilt
His banking partners are despots - like Putin
Show me how you spend your money and I will tell you your values
He will hide this for as long as he can
9
Finally-the media and the Democrats should pound this daily. His returns would be ugly.
3
Donald Trump has said, aloud, "Look what releasing his tax returns did to Mitt Romney!" That is as much as an admission that there are things in his own tax return that will torpedo his candidacy. Many others have released theirs, so it's nothing about the simple act of doing so, it's about the specific contents of Mr. Trump's return.
The only other possibility is that this is theater: i.e. there's nothing bad in his returns; he does donate yuuge amounts to charity; he doesn't do business with Russia; he doesn't hide his money offshore; but he wants the chant of "Show them! Show them!" to reach a fever pitch before doing so and being able to say, "See? I told you there was nothing."
Somehow, I doubt that second scenario is how it will play out.
The only other possibility is that this is theater: i.e. there's nothing bad in his returns; he does donate yuuge amounts to charity; he doesn't do business with Russia; he doesn't hide his money offshore; but he wants the chant of "Show them! Show them!" to reach a fever pitch before doing so and being able to say, "See? I told you there was nothing."
Somehow, I doubt that second scenario is how it will play out.
2
so what? Romney's returns were legal but the dems made a big thing out of it . We missed a chance to elect an honest man.
What is Donald hiding?? That is the question we need to ask again and again, until he releases his taxes. Will we find out that he's Poor Donald? Cheap Donald? Crooked Donald? Russian Donald? Lyin' Donald? We cannot let this drop.
10
Where are all the hackers when it comes exposing Trump's tax returns and his private emails?
3
When Trump said his tax returns our none of our business, he was actually saying in a loud, clear voice: "Don't trust me".
8
Trump knows information in his tax returns would guarantee his loss in the upcoming election. Therefore he won't release them.
6
Like Icarus, Mr. Trump has flown too close to the sun. As a result, the wax holding his wings together (Read: the braggadocio of empty lies holding his "empire" together) is melting and soon he shall come crashing down.
12
The hidden tax returns would show that Trump wants a job because he needs the money.
For a man of dubious talents and shady character, he's aiming miles too high.
For a man of dubious talents and shady character, he's aiming miles too high.
8
This is written with tongue slightly in cheek.
If Trump is asking his buddy Putin to uncover Clinton' missing E-mails, perhaps Vlad and friends could do us all a small favor by producing Trump's tax returns. Just for practice you see. Something about sauce for the goose and sauce for the gander.
If Trump is asking his buddy Putin to uncover Clinton' missing E-mails, perhaps Vlad and friends could do us all a small favor by producing Trump's tax returns. Just for practice you see. Something about sauce for the goose and sauce for the gander.
Tax returns from Donald Trump and speech transcripts from Hillary Clinton: That much we are all owed.
1
While I agree that Trump should release his tax returns, I don't recall the NY Times calling out Obama over his unwillingness to release records of his years at Columbia University and the unethical cooperation of that great university in suppressing them. The reason for suppressing a part of the life of a man seeking to run our country could not be pretty.
Nor do I recall similar calls by the NY Times to reveal Obama's remarks at an event feting the late Edward Said, recorded and kept secret by the LA Times, which were said to have shown strong - politically problematical - support for Said and his Palestinian cause.
What's good for the goose should be good for the gander, especially at the New York Times.
Nor do I recall similar calls by the NY Times to reveal Obama's remarks at an event feting the late Edward Said, recorded and kept secret by the LA Times, which were said to have shown strong - politically problematical - support for Said and his Palestinian cause.
What's good for the goose should be good for the gander, especially at the New York Times.
1
If the audit is the obstacle, why not release the last year not currently under audit? Some insight behind the curtain is better than nothing.
3
It would be poetic justice if the IRS were hacked for "the donalds" tax returns. And if Wiciki leaks were the organization to leak them.
1
Donald Ducks Disclosure!
2
He says that there is "nothing to learn" from his tax returns. Let the voters decide.
3
"Donald Duck Trumps Tax Returns"? I believe it!
I'd rather vote for Donald Duck for President than the Republican candidate. That a major party offers (I was going to say "throws up" such a candidate, but that's what I'm doing..... throwing up! Alas, America!).... it's a tragedy.
When George the Shrub refuses to attend the convention, he goes up in my esteem..... of course, he had to go up.... he couldn't possibly have gone down!
Heaven help us!
I'd rather vote for Donald Duck for President than the Republican candidate. That a major party offers (I was going to say "throws up" such a candidate, but that's what I'm doing..... throwing up! Alas, America!).... it's a tragedy.
When George the Shrub refuses to attend the convention, he goes up in my esteem..... of course, he had to go up.... he couldn't possibly have gone down!
Heaven help us!
2
As you say, there is no law that requires candidates to furnish tax returns. As for 'Americans have come to expect it' claim, it is media-driven, and the Democratic party and liberal media want to keep this non-issue in limelight to distract from Hillary's own problems.
The disclosure in Hillary's tax returns shows that she gave SEVERAL speeches to the likes of UBS Wealth Management, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs (at least 3 different units in SC, NY, and AZ), Pharma and Realtor groups, to name a few. She got paid at least $225,000 for each speech, with some speeches fetching as much as $400,000.
Will she also release what she said to those groups to EARN and deserve those obscene speaking fees, euphemistically called HONORARIUMS?
Will you write an editorial DEMANDING that Hillary RELEASE HER TRANSCRIPTS?
As for Trump, it is a safe bet that he takes minimal income from his businesses, and none of them is organized as S Corporation. So, the chances are his tax returns have very little taxable income, with multiple schedules. The schedules will cover many of his business interests, and it is unfair to expect that private businesses need to make public disclosures.
i would bet that Trump paid little, if any, in taxes. That is not a disqualification.
In the interests of fairness, Hillary should let AMERICA know what she said in those highly paid speeches to Wall Street Groups, et al.
Go ahead, ask Hill to release those transcripts, editors.
The disclosure in Hillary's tax returns shows that she gave SEVERAL speeches to the likes of UBS Wealth Management, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs (at least 3 different units in SC, NY, and AZ), Pharma and Realtor groups, to name a few. She got paid at least $225,000 for each speech, with some speeches fetching as much as $400,000.
Will she also release what she said to those groups to EARN and deserve those obscene speaking fees, euphemistically called HONORARIUMS?
Will you write an editorial DEMANDING that Hillary RELEASE HER TRANSCRIPTS?
As for Trump, it is a safe bet that he takes minimal income from his businesses, and none of them is organized as S Corporation. So, the chances are his tax returns have very little taxable income, with multiple schedules. The schedules will cover many of his business interests, and it is unfair to expect that private businesses need to make public disclosures.
i would bet that Trump paid little, if any, in taxes. That is not a disqualification.
In the interests of fairness, Hillary should let AMERICA know what she said in those highly paid speeches to Wall Street Groups, et al.
Go ahead, ask Hill to release those transcripts, editors.
4
Trump's a con man. No way you're going to see his tax returns because they'll show he's not remotely worth what he says he is. It's rather simple. If he was, he would show them. I hope everyone realizes by now that he lies as a matter of course and has done so his entire life. It is truly amazing that this piece of excrement has gotten as far as he has.
7
Donald Trump should serve up his tax returns when required by law. If his tax returns are currently being reviewed by the IRS, then we should wait iit out - just like we waited out the FBI inquiry of Hillary's emails. To do otherwise would smack of bias.
While we're looking, it would be good to see the amount, timing, and sources if the donations and contributions of the Clinton Foundation. Please add that to your list of fair play.
While we're looking, it would be good to see the amount, timing, and sources if the donations and contributions of the Clinton Foundation. Please add that to your list of fair play.
Lesson learnt - the obligation to release tax returns must be put in writing.
2
We will never see Trump's returns , I believe he is very, very cheap and probably gives the smallest amount to charity and he may not be as rich as he claims now that would be interesting, we could start calling him Donald the liar .
1
In 2010, billboards with "Where's the Birth Certificate?" were seen on several interstate highways.
Let's see "Where Are the Tax Returns?" billboards and signs start to sprout up around the country in 2016.
Let's see "Where Are the Tax Returns?" billboards and signs start to sprout up around the country in 2016.
7
Seriously we need to make this THE issue about Trump. Every time he tries to deflect it by saying something outrageous but tangential we (meaning the press, social media mavens, forum posters, columnists, interviewers, etc.) need to drag the conversation back to these tax returns. "Yeah, we know you're a misanthrope, Donald...but what about those tax returns?"
5
Would someone please explain to me why it's Hillary Clinton who is perceived as secretive and dishonest?
9
Apparently the Russian/Ukrainian connection is the most serious problem.Trump could end up being the only treasonous candidate in history.
5
So you will skewer him for his business record if the returns show a low tax-rate due to carryforwards and other tax attributes, and you will skewer him for capitalizing on good accountants and lawyers if he has a low tax rate.
And you wonder why he won't release them?
And you wonder why he won't release them?
The IRS cannot [legally] disclose tax returns. However, the NSA surely can. Just get a Rubber Stamp FISA judge's approval to disclose his returns. Fully legal. Plus we finally get something unarguably useful (for our trillions of dollars of NSA funding) for protecting the national security.
2
The IRS is giving Trump an excuse for his non-disclosure! They should wind up the audit even if they have to give up a few bucks of tax to do so. The election is too important for a few tax dollars to hold up what may be important revelations!
1
“There’s nothing to learn from them,” he tried to insist in May,,,"
That says everything about him needed to reject him out of hand.
There's everything to learn in any tax return. The fact his mob supporters accept this statement says everything we need to know about them also.
"Responding with another pithy tweet won’t do."
I wish that were so, but it's probably good enough for his mob.
We have in Trump a guy not fit for mixed company.
He is the raving uncle at T-Giving dinner, embarrassing everyone with crude jokes, bigotries, and hurtful attacks. That's just what his base supports.
That says everything about him needed to reject him out of hand.
There's everything to learn in any tax return. The fact his mob supporters accept this statement says everything we need to know about them also.
"Responding with another pithy tweet won’t do."
I wish that were so, but it's probably good enough for his mob.
We have in Trump a guy not fit for mixed company.
He is the raving uncle at T-Giving dinner, embarrassing everyone with crude jokes, bigotries, and hurtful attacks. That's just what his base supports.
6
I've always believed people's finances were their own business. I don't need to see Donald Trump's tax returns. I'll assume, he like most people (and like Mitt Romney) paid as little as possible. Did he use loopholes not available to most citizens? Sure. Do I care about how much money he is making or what his net worth is? No.
Should he be President? Absolutely not.
Should he be President? Absolutely not.
1
Trump has nothing to gain and everything to lose by releasing those returns.
3
Unfortunately responding with another pithy tweet will work with a large percentage of Americans who think he is with them fighting "the establishment." Like Sarah Palin before him, he has managed to create a version of himself that is simultaneously a superior human being and a victim. He, and he alone, can create jobs and destroy ISIS. Yet, he is picked on by the dishonest media, IRS and the parents of a dead soldier. Narcissist. Martyr.
I believe his taxes will most likely destroy his candidacy. Otherwise a raving narcissist would be thrilled to have the world review the awesomeness of his wealth and generosity.
I believe his taxes will most likely destroy his candidacy. Otherwise a raving narcissist would be thrilled to have the world review the awesomeness of his wealth and generosity.
6
I disagree with the use of the word "pithy" to describe Trump tweets. "Short" would be better. The word "pithy" connotes substance, meaning condensed to a few words.
3
Simple solution. Don't give him any media coverage until he does release his tax filings. He wouldn't be able to last a week.
4
He's given millions to charity and to our veterans, or so he claims.
He's paid his taxes, or so he claims.
He's a billionaire 10 times over, or so he claims.
He has no financial ties or obligations to the Russian government, or so he claims.
"Believe me!" he repeats again and again in response to any calls for the proof that every other Presidential candidate has submitted for the past half CENTURY.
Well,
Does he pay his fair share?
Is he a charitable person?
Does he have financial ties to a foreign government?
Hiding his true self may be permissible under the law of the land, but in light of his claims it should not be permissible in the court of public opinion.
Disclose your tax returns Mr. Trump.
He's paid his taxes, or so he claims.
He's a billionaire 10 times over, or so he claims.
He has no financial ties or obligations to the Russian government, or so he claims.
"Believe me!" he repeats again and again in response to any calls for the proof that every other Presidential candidate has submitted for the past half CENTURY.
Well,
Does he pay his fair share?
Is he a charitable person?
Does he have financial ties to a foreign government?
Hiding his true self may be permissible under the law of the land, but in light of his claims it should not be permissible in the court of public opinion.
Disclose your tax returns Mr. Trump.
171
Of course he's hiding something and the press should be hounding him on this every day of his life just like he hounded President Obama for his birth certificate
8
Maybe Trump is quickly trying to amend his pending returns before the public sees them, thus hiding the truth about some matters he prefers to have not revealed.
Trump keeps saying that he will release his taxes as soon as his routine audit is complete. Well, I have to assume that his routine audits for years prior to 2015 ARE complete... What's the hold-up in releasing them??
2
My great fear with a Trump presidency is a Trump recession!
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I am afraid, very afraid that if Donald Trump is elected his crazy ideas will not work and there will be a general lack of confidence in our economic future. A recession might be blamed on Obama-nomics, but the affects could last for many years to come. It could spread around the globe and we could see more wars and unrest at home and abroad.
I fear Trump's "economy, stupid" and I hope that Clinton will focus on it to the max, in order to win the election...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am afraid, very afraid that if Donald Trump is elected his crazy ideas will not work and there will be a general lack of confidence in our economic future. A recession might be blamed on Obama-nomics, but the affects could last for many years to come. It could spread around the globe and we could see more wars and unrest at home and abroad.
I fear Trump's "economy, stupid" and I hope that Clinton will focus on it to the max, in order to win the election...
1
So what can we do to force him to release the tax return? Can anybody go to court to force him to do it? There is must some way.
We the voters could exert more pressure. What if, at every Trump appearance, a minimum 50-person chorus of citizens would show up holding signs and chanting "Show us your taxes!!!"?
1
You need to write an editorial or article about this every single day until the election. Maybe a banner headline on the front page that everyone can see. Do not let this issue go. Trump's tax returns are key.
1
We don't have to wonder if Hillary's fraudulent moving Haitian relief money to pay off her brother's employer because it isn't on such tings.
Nor is the pay-to-play scheme where she amassed hundreds of millions of dollars from foreign interests who wanted access to the U.S. market.
This isn't the I-Am-Exempt Hillary rule, but simply he fact that few things show up on the IRS 1040.
Neither do the thousands of jobs that Trump created. 99+% of the corporations formed by Mr. Trump are still doing business, but the ONE formed by Hillary went bankrupt - as planned. That would be Whitewater.
Nor is the pay-to-play scheme where she amassed hundreds of millions of dollars from foreign interests who wanted access to the U.S. market.
This isn't the I-Am-Exempt Hillary rule, but simply he fact that few things show up on the IRS 1040.
Neither do the thousands of jobs that Trump created. 99+% of the corporations formed by Mr. Trump are still doing business, but the ONE formed by Hillary went bankrupt - as planned. That would be Whitewater.
He should be pressed as hard on his taxes as he pressed President Obama about a birth certificate.
3
During the Democratic Convention, this voter learned that, based upon financial disclosures in past years, there were years that Mr. Trump paid Zero taxes. Zero. That should serve as a red flag.
But perhaps more disturbing is the candidate's demonstrated lack of conscience or compassion, the lying every five minutes in stump speeches (Politico)and the abject lies he told during his convention speech which begun with, to paraphrase "There will be no lies." And then, there is the obvious and connection by the candidate and friends with business dealing in Russia that involved the Ukraine.
The media has given him billions of dollars in free advertising, while failing ever to ask tough follow-up questions, like "Just precisely how are you 'looking into it" regarding specifics on anything. What correspondent Katy Tur pressed The Candidate on his giving any "pause" to his comments suggestion that Russia conduct cyber-attacks on the U.S., he told her to "be quiet." None of the press in the room, pressed him or objected to his response to Ms. Tur. Shameful.
A "have you no decency sir" response to his face, would be a refreshing change.
On Saturday night, Anna Marie Cox made this compelling statement:
"Either Hillary Clinton will be our first woman President. Or Donald Trump will be our last."
"In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act." (George Orwell)
But perhaps more disturbing is the candidate's demonstrated lack of conscience or compassion, the lying every five minutes in stump speeches (Politico)and the abject lies he told during his convention speech which begun with, to paraphrase "There will be no lies." And then, there is the obvious and connection by the candidate and friends with business dealing in Russia that involved the Ukraine.
The media has given him billions of dollars in free advertising, while failing ever to ask tough follow-up questions, like "Just precisely how are you 'looking into it" regarding specifics on anything. What correspondent Katy Tur pressed The Candidate on his giving any "pause" to his comments suggestion that Russia conduct cyber-attacks on the U.S., he told her to "be quiet." None of the press in the room, pressed him or objected to his response to Ms. Tur. Shameful.
A "have you no decency sir" response to his face, would be a refreshing change.
On Saturday night, Anna Marie Cox made this compelling statement:
"Either Hillary Clinton will be our first woman President. Or Donald Trump will be our last."
"In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act." (George Orwell)
3
Its time for Republicans to walk away from Trump. His refusal to release his taxes, his attack on the family of Capt. Khan, his racist comments, his complete lack of understanding on how the US works, make him unfit to be our President.
There are times in everyone's life when you have to stand up for what is right, to correct a mistake, even if it hurts. This is one of those times. It is time to walk away from Trump.
There are times in everyone's life when you have to stand up for what is right, to correct a mistake, even if it hurts. This is one of those times. It is time to walk away from Trump.
4
For Trump and his followers, truth itself is a conspiracy theory.
They only believe in divine gospel coming from their chosen savior, Donald Dieus Trump.
They only believe in divine gospel coming from their chosen savior, Donald Dieus Trump.
1
I have to show my tax returns to get a mortgage on my house. Why should the person who wishes to reside in The While House not have to meet the same standard?
4
The more critical information about himself that Trump can hide, the more he can deceive voters who lack critical reasoning skills. And when he cannot hide facts, he can deny them. And when he cannot deny facts, he changes the subject.
This is what Trump and his surrogates do every day because the news media lets them get away with it.
This is what Trump and his surrogates do every day because the news media lets them get away with it.
1
I wouldn't mind so much if Trump just refused to reveal his tax returns. But to say that he can't release them because they're under audit is just another dodge by a man who can't be trusted to tell the truth about the weather.
7
I think he is afraid. Al Capone was sent to prison for tax invasion.....that might be in the back of Trump's dark mind. As a citizen of this country, I will demand to see the tax returns which will certainly display honesty or dishonesty of a proposed leader.
2
For 6 months I have been asking all media to do this to no avail.
At least Richard Nixon was smart.
Trump is simply, as "thug-like.*"
*Captain Beefheart
At least Richard Nixon was smart.
Trump is simply, as "thug-like.*"
*Captain Beefheart
2
Trump may very well be delaying completion of the audit by being dilatory in supplying information the IRS needs to complete it. He is likely telling the IRS that he cannot supply needed information, because his campaign schedule does not permit him to put the information together. He is probably seeking extensions until after mid-November, when his schedule will be lighter.
2
In every interview every journalist should demand to see his tax return. In not, no interview.
Trump needs the press as much the press need him. Press do your job and ask the right questions.
Trump needs the press as much the press need him. Press do your job and ask the right questions.
3
Draft dodger, tax dodger, truth dodger.
That is the Trump brand.
He should move his mouth to his bowel, since that's where all his ideas flow from.
That is the Trump brand.
He should move his mouth to his bowel, since that's where all his ideas flow from.
3
Donald Trump can't release his tax returns. He can't because it will be obvious that he took advantage of tax loopholes for real estate developers which, in and of itself, isn't all that bad- he capitalized on a law already on the books. But he has positioned himself as a champion of the middle and working class and the hypocrisy would be glaringly evident, even to his fans( at this point they are not supporters).
He might be a billionaire but not worth $10 Billion. That will look bad because he boasts about his wealth instead of trying to hide it. And George Will has a theory that Trump's taxes will show that he has done business with Russian banks. That would really look bad considering the recent hacks into the DNC by the Russians. It is already on record that he does business with German banks. America first? Right.
A lot of stuff will come out if he released his taxes. But his fans probably won't care. They are so hung up on what he says he'll do for them that most of them don't even realize what they like about his policies is that they are heretofore policies put forth by democrats( just go back and listen to Ivanka Trump's speech at the RNC last week).
The best way to stay in denial when reasonable republicans such as George Will are trying to tell you something is to call them "the establishment." That way you can keep your head in the sand and vote for a demagogue whose tax returns will show how much money he makes by outsourcing jobs overseas.
He might be a billionaire but not worth $10 Billion. That will look bad because he boasts about his wealth instead of trying to hide it. And George Will has a theory that Trump's taxes will show that he has done business with Russian banks. That would really look bad considering the recent hacks into the DNC by the Russians. It is already on record that he does business with German banks. America first? Right.
A lot of stuff will come out if he released his taxes. But his fans probably won't care. They are so hung up on what he says he'll do for them that most of them don't even realize what they like about his policies is that they are heretofore policies put forth by democrats( just go back and listen to Ivanka Trump's speech at the RNC last week).
The best way to stay in denial when reasonable republicans such as George Will are trying to tell you something is to call them "the establishment." That way you can keep your head in the sand and vote for a demagogue whose tax returns will show how much money he makes by outsourcing jobs overseas.
2
Finally, questions are being raised about his tax returns; thank you NYT editorial board. Why has this been left hanging for so long? As we know, if this was Hillary refusing to disclose her tax returns, the furor would be deafening.
If Mr. Trump thinks he is a presidential candidate, then he should be treated like one; not treated with kid gloves. Are people afraid to become the subject of his nasty tweets? Let's be real.
If Mr. Trump thinks he is a presidential candidate, then he should be treated like one; not treated with kid gloves. Are people afraid to become the subject of his nasty tweets? Let's be real.
4
Journalists everywhere, please confront Trump on releasing his tax returns!
2
He could be the first candidate ever to duck out on debates too. He is already whining that the schedule set by a bipartisan committee favors Hillary and conflicts with sporting events and the RNC is backing him. They, no doubt, aren't thrilled about him being compared head to head to Hillary and his followers are too stupid to understand sentences of more than 5 words so debates don't matter to them.
1
if trump said it was raining outside, i'd peek out my window; if he said it was Tuesday, I'd check my calendar. if the usa elects him they'll get what they deserve for such collective stupidity; however the rest of the planet doesn't deserve it.....
6
"Hey Anonymous, if you're reading this: Please hack into Trump's accountant's computer and give the tax returns to the media, who will be eager to publish them for a grateful electorate"
3
I would hope that this is a major red flag to Trump's supporters. That they're not going to get what they ordered, that the amazing Trump "Wall Wow!" or the "Slap Chop Enemy Slicer 'n' Dicer" is completely useless. And people, there is no free set of Ginzu knives coming, OK. Not happening.
2
Is it incumbent upon the IRS to weigh in on the status of Mr. Trump's tax returns? I think so. Surely, for the good of the country, they could fast track the so-called audits, announce their completion and leave Mr. Trump with no more excuses.
2
If you are a supporter of Mr. Trump, why would you not want his tax returns released? Now, I know that many of Trumps supporters claim many noble reasons for supporting him, but we always come back to race, guns, and states rights. Now, all of Trump's supporters have to swallow hard and accept Mr. Putin and his policies. And the amazing thing is that these sheep will gladly comply and follow Trump's dictates.
God help the US if he wins the election.
God help the US if he wins the election.
3
"Donald Duck Trumps Tax Disclosure" makes just about the same reasoning as any of his rational for not disclosing his returns.
Don the Con's tax return will tell us almost everything we need to know about his life and his character. That's why he won't release them. Also, he's actually bankrupt. But, who is paying his expenses? We already know he doesn't pay his routine and contractual bills, and the big money wants nothing to do with him.
2
View from New Hampshire is that, unless Trump releases tax returns to prove otherwise, we must assume he paid Zero taxes on his income, likely claiming millions of bucks in losses.
1
I agree with several other commenters here that journalists—and debate moderators, if he ever makes it to a debate—should bring this up at every opportunity and, when confronted with his "under audit" reply, read him the quote from the IRS that makes it clear he can release the returns whenever he wants.
2
Look at the statement before the one the Editorial quotes: "...they found a little sentence and they made such a big deal. He might have lost the election over that." Which "little sentence" is he referring to? My guess is that he's confused the tax returns, which, while a bit damaging in showing Romney's low tax rate, were far less so than Romney's "little sentence" dismissing the 47% of voters who feel so entitled to government handouts that it would be pointless for him to even try to win them over. Romney later acknowledged that this is what did the real damage to his campaign. As usual with Trump, reality gets lost in the need to cover everything with a protective screen of bull.
We know that Donald Trump pays as little taxes as he can. The IRS would love to have Trump release his returns so that all of the armchair Democrat auditors could add their two cents to any legal loopholes. Trump said that he can solve the problems of the elite getting more than their share because he knows how the game is rigged.
Hillary also knows how the game is rigged, and has figured out how to use the Clinton Foundation to pay for her luxurious travel and Presidential hotel suites using contributions for which her domestic donors received tax deductions as well as government largesse. Her foreign donors received only government largesse.
Hillary has published her tax returns. She and Bill have received $30 million per year since they were dead broke in 2001. That is what they have reported to the IRS and does not include the donations to the Clinton Foundation, which they and they alone control and which they use to fund their lavish travel as well as to pay their political operatives while they are between "public service" gigs.
Hillary also knows how the game is rigged, and has figured out how to use the Clinton Foundation to pay for her luxurious travel and Presidential hotel suites using contributions for which her domestic donors received tax deductions as well as government largesse. Her foreign donors received only government largesse.
Hillary has published her tax returns. She and Bill have received $30 million per year since they were dead broke in 2001. That is what they have reported to the IRS and does not include the donations to the Clinton Foundation, which they and they alone control and which they use to fund their lavish travel as well as to pay their political operatives while they are between "public service" gigs.
1
Mr. Trump is 'house poor', as his liabilities probably equal or exceed his assets. He probably pays little to no taxes and as such is being supported by us, the America people.
1
Trump believes he is entitled to a different set rules and standards-- that is his way of life and in everything he says and does, from taxes, to business, to the draft, to contracts etc. etc. etc. No one is going to tell him what to do and he will never answer to the American people.
3
While we are on the subject of disclosures which should be made by presidential candidates, why are the media - and the rest of the populace - completely silent on the subject of Mr. Trump's campaign soliciting donations from foreign leaders? Isn't this transparently illegal? Or was it a hoax created by someone else, and I missed the story?
1
I expect that the Clinton campaign has held off on hammering him or running commercials, over Trump's failure to release his tax returns, until the Fall. This would allow for the maximum impact. It will happen and voters will take notice. However, failure to release his tax returns is only one of many reasons that Trump should NEVER be allowed to get anywhere near the White House!
2
If Trump was proud of what's in his returns or believed it could help him politically, he'd no doubt release his returns. Probably, he has very little charitable giving and pays very low tax.
From now until the election all interested people with "voice" ought to keep harping on Donald Trump to release his tax-returns, at least some of them. If the 2015 & 2014, or even 2013 haven't been "finished" auditing, he can release some of the prior years. This issue should remain in the forefront.
2
I suggest drowning out his ugly rhetoric with a rally cry of "No Taxes, No Trump" at every public appearance he makes.
1
Of course, intelligent, rational, clear-minded individuals know that he should release those tax returns, and we want to see what's in them. On the other hand, whatever's in them won't faze his supporters. After all, this is the guy who said on January 23rd, "I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue, shoot somebody, and I wouldn't lose any voters."
1
The press should cease all coverage of Trump until he releases his tax returns otherwise we will hear no new news just old noise. I'm sure Fox will be happy to provide coverage regardless and I'll continue to avoid watching Fox.
2
Perhaps we should get the Russians to hack into the IRS and get the documents for us as Mr. Trump suggested for his opponent's emails?
For all those Bernie-supporters screaming for transcsripts of Clinton's speeches, and the Republican mob screeching for the emails -- I've always wondered why "The Donald" was always given a free pass about his income tax information.
And not by just everybody -- But starting at the top with RNC President Reince Priebus, Mitch McConnell and Speaker Ryan; Trump has sailed through insult after insult, and comments bordering on criminal intent, with not so much as a slap on the wrist.
What makes this all so amazing, is this is a man who claims he will "Make America Great Again".
But if he inends to run this country like he's been running any of his bankrupted business, Americans deserve to see those tax documents.
Now.
And not by just everybody -- But starting at the top with RNC President Reince Priebus, Mitch McConnell and Speaker Ryan; Trump has sailed through insult after insult, and comments bordering on criminal intent, with not so much as a slap on the wrist.
What makes this all so amazing, is this is a man who claims he will "Make America Great Again".
But if he inends to run this country like he's been running any of his bankrupted business, Americans deserve to see those tax documents.
Now.
1
Trump claims that everything is unfair. Why would anyone vote for this sniveling coward?
4
This needs to be front and center every day from now to election day. The idea that any candidate gets to decide what the electorate has a right to know is unacceptable.
Ok once Crooked Hillary releases her Wall st. transcripts and recovers her deleted too secret emails.
4
The IRS can end this stalemate by immediately and publicly dropping all audits of Trump and his company.
There are minimal downsides; Obama's IRS has long been considered to be a political agent of the Left, and any penalty findings would be contested for years anyway.
There are minimal downsides; Obama's IRS has long been considered to be a political agent of the Left, and any penalty findings would be contested for years anyway.
1
Julian Assange this is a challenge to you. So Wikileaks can hack Hillaries emails but not Don the Cons returns?
C'mon, fair is fair. I think they would be way more interesting and much better for the public good.
Julian Assange should prove he is truly impartial and in it for the pubic. Tell us about Mr. Trumps dealings with Putin - I'm sure there are emails- tell us what governments he's been favoring, tell us how many little guys he's screwed, and if theres nothing to hide it only works too Don the Cons advantage- c'mon, man up, do the right thing.
C'mon, fair is fair. I think they would be way more interesting and much better for the public good.
Julian Assange should prove he is truly impartial and in it for the pubic. Tell us about Mr. Trumps dealings with Putin - I'm sure there are emails- tell us what governments he's been favoring, tell us how many little guys he's screwed, and if theres nothing to hide it only works too Don the Cons advantage- c'mon, man up, do the right thing.
2
I dread to think what he might be hiding.
2
Michael Bloomberg was right: Mr. Trump is a classic New York confidence man. He is not leveling with the American electorate. Although Mr. Trump constantly berates Mrs. Clinton as dishonest, she has been open about her tax returns for decades. So what is Mr. Trump hiding? His failure to disclose is consistent with being a crook; an honest man would have nothing to hide.
Stop hiding your tax returns, Mr. Trump. Match Mrs. Clinton's returns, disclosed year for disclosed year. Show us just how much better you are than her, if you can.
Stop hiding your tax returns, Mr. Trump. Match Mrs. Clinton's returns, disclosed year for disclosed year. Show us just how much better you are than her, if you can.
1
Funny, Trump's supporters say he's a "tell-it-like-it-is" kind of guy. Except for the tax returns.
1
"Last April, the Washington Post and Bloomberg News both reported that 1,100 hidden Clinton Foundation foreign donors were “bundled” into a $25 million donation from Clinton Giustra Enterprise Partnership."Who were those foriegn donors NYT?
http://www.breitbart.com/hillary-clinton/2016/06/25/wrong-cnn-network-bo...
http://www.breitbart.com/hillary-clinton/2016/06/25/wrong-cnn-network-bo...
2
I'm a foreign national interested only in a fair and balanced view of the coming election from the mass media.
I can't remember a single positive note about Trump in this newspaper since the GOP's primary ending. Has the NYT turned biased against Donald Trump?
I can't remember a single positive note about Trump in this newspaper since the GOP's primary ending. Has the NYT turned biased against Donald Trump?
4
My only criticism of this editorial is the characterization of Trump's tweets as "pithy." That term gives him too much credit for engaging in substantive discourse. I would have chosen terms like paranoid, whiny, deranged, unhinged, dissembling.
Other than that, you nailed it.
Other than that, you nailed it.
1
I don't blame trump for not releasing his tax returns. Tax returns are ridiculously complex and I'm sure they are a few hundreds of pages for mr trump. If he releases them, he knows they will be scrutinized them with a fine tooth comb for anything that looks suspicious. Given the complexity of the irs code, that will not be hard to do. and when trump's critic find that one thing possibly wrong, they will have a field day on trump. There is an old true saying - if you give your tax return to 10 different accountants, you will end up with ten different results. My advise to trump is don't release your taxes. The press has already portrayed you as anti women, anti-Semitic, a racist, a fraud in business, anti black and anti Hispanic, anti-native American etc If you release your tax returns, they will call you a tax cheat no matter what your returns look like.
1
Any reasonable voter in this election should withhold his/her vote for Trump if he does not provide his tax returns. Plain and simple.
1
As a non-politician, it's the IRS's job to determine whether Donald Trump paid his taxes according to the Code and in a timely way. As a lifetime politician, it's the FBI's job to determine if Hillary Clinton used her position as a public "servant" to feather her nest. Therefore, I'm not interested in the former and very interested in the latter.
2
Should a man who may be deeply indebted to the Russians and who has praised Vladimir Putin, and who also has a problem with verbal-diarrhea-via-tweet really be given national security briefings?
1
Trump doesn't want to release his tax returns publicly because he didn't pay any taxes. It's why he always gets audited.
1
Would it be the pot calling the kettle black to encourage hackers to unearth Trump's tax returns? Yes. Does any one care? They might not.
3
It's simple: he didn't pay his fair share of taxes and he is not as rich as he pretends to be.
A fraud and a con man thru and thru.
A fraud and a con man thru and thru.
3
Maybe there are Russians out there who can hack Trump's tax returns?
4
Until Trump stops hiding his taxes, all major media should join together to hide Trump's campaign.
The New York Times. The Wall Street Journal. Newspapers in Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Miami, Dallas, Houston, San Francisco and every other major city. All major television networks. ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX (Yes, you too, Murdoch!), MSNBC, CNN, all of you. Every radio network, including satellite. Every Internet media outlet: All the online papers. Magazines, online and off. Facebook. Google.
No coverage of Trump, period. No mention of Trump's name. Nothing. Until he releases 10 years of complete income tax filings.
All of you now touting the sacrifices of the Khan family, and deriding the non-sacrifices of Trump. Make your own sacrifice. For the good of the country, and the world. Prove that you take people as seriously, as they take you seriously. Demonstrate your mutual dependence with citizens.
Do you have the courage? Do you have the decency?
The New York Times. The Wall Street Journal. Newspapers in Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Miami, Dallas, Houston, San Francisco and every other major city. All major television networks. ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX (Yes, you too, Murdoch!), MSNBC, CNN, all of you. Every radio network, including satellite. Every Internet media outlet: All the online papers. Magazines, online and off. Facebook. Google.
No coverage of Trump, period. No mention of Trump's name. Nothing. Until he releases 10 years of complete income tax filings.
All of you now touting the sacrifices of the Khan family, and deriding the non-sacrifices of Trump. Make your own sacrifice. For the good of the country, and the world. Prove that you take people as seriously, as they take you seriously. Demonstrate your mutual dependence with citizens.
Do you have the courage? Do you have the decency?
2
The under audit excuse is pretty lame, even for Trump, and of course he knows IRS cannot confirm or deny due to confidentially. But if it's true that Trump's tax returns for 2013-2015 are under audit, why not release earlier returns not under audit, say 2006-2012? Unless he is suspected of fraud, IRS is not auditing more than 3 years at a time.
1
If Trump thinks it's ok to hope Russians hack Hillary's email, he should be fine with the rest of us hoping someone hacks the IRS or his businesses and reveals his financial records. Of course, like the Donald, I'm only joking. Obviously. Right?
"The voters deserve to know what Mr. Trump is hiding..."
Same for H. Clinton and her hiding of the speeches she gave to wall street for millions of dollars in fees.
Same for H. Clinton and her hiding of the speeches she gave to wall street for millions of dollars in fees.
1
Bombast and no substance. Accuse, attack, never back down. Above all do not become involved in a policy discussion or debate. It has worked so well so far that "giving up" anything is a sign of weakness which cannot be allowed. That would be the first crack in the very thin skinned facade, and I believe it tone a facade, of mr trump. Tax returns? Who do you think you are to ask the great and powerful...!
1
There are many positions in the federal government for which one cannot be hired if he/she does not provide his/her tax returns. Surely the HIGHEST federal position should have such a mandate. Congress should pass legislation requiring candidates to release their returns and, if they fail to voluntarily provide them, the IRS would be authorized to release them. Nobody FORCES somebody to run for president.
1
Trump piles tweet upon tweet, which consist of smarty or smarmy comments on facts that he disagrees with. It's time for the press, both mainstream and substream, to quit report this junk as if it is real news. It is not. Sam
Bottom line belief is that he's not as rich as he claims to be and the percentage of tax he pays on his income is substantially lower than most Americans.
2
Mr. Trump's tweets are indeed 'pithy;' he has been pithying around with the voters for over a year, pithying and moaning about being mistreated.
I think we all know what he is hiding - some or all of these reasons: he isnt as rich as he brags, his only charitable contributions for which he takes deductions are for golf weekends at his clubs, he has a lot of money in foreign banks, he is financing Putin, and he uses existing tax laws so he wont have to pay any taxes. If he is being audited and the IRS says it is ok to release them to public, then he has a duty to release them. If he doesnt want to release last years, I bet people would be satisfied seeing his tax history for this century.
2
The Times is certainly right on this issue. Mr. Trump should release his returns, and if he refuses, it's yet another reason to worry about the man.
Trump the businessman is entitled to keep his returns private, as are the rest of us. Trump the candidate for President is not.
Trump the businessman is entitled to keep his returns private, as are the rest of us. Trump the candidate for President is not.
2
Trump is hiding in plain sight. Why do we let him?
I'd be curious to know when he made his last donation to the Clinton campaign.
I'd be curious to know when he made his last donation to the Clinton campaign.
1
This should be the NYTimes and every other newspaper and news agency daily editorial until the returns are released.
3
If the media would stop focusing on Tweets and begin to focus on true issues and policies, something might get accomplished. They are guilty of feeding this mess and it is time to stop.
103
They don't even have to be your Long Form Taxes Mr. Trump.
2
Fine. So disclose the returns for closed years! And the IRS adjustments!
2
"Nothing to learn." He just doesn't want to waste our time. I sure that's his real reason.
When the esteemed Editorial Board and Publisher Arthur Sultzberger, who pretend to be the conscience of the United States of America, publish their tax returns, I will join the press to have Donald Trump publish his.
There is no law that requires that a candidate publish his financial documents.
And, until there is, this issue is just another red herring being used by the liberal...er...progressive...er...whatever it is that they are calling themselves these days to evade having to accept responsibility for their failed policies...to try to browbeat The People into forgetting that Hillary and Bill Clinton have twice already had to revise their tax returns because the sharp eyes of The People found that they had lied on their tax returns.
There is no law that requires that a candidate publish his financial documents.
And, until there is, this issue is just another red herring being used by the liberal...er...progressive...er...whatever it is that they are calling themselves these days to evade having to accept responsibility for their failed policies...to try to browbeat The People into forgetting that Hillary and Bill Clinton have twice already had to revise their tax returns because the sharp eyes of The People found that they had lied on their tax returns.
2
How can anyone come to any other conclusion that he is hiding something?
It seems to me with Donald Trump propensity to exaggerate and embellish what ever he has done in life, pretty much out right lying most of the time....whether it's about sacrifices, contributions or anything else that doesn't involve him filling his own pockets, it is imperative that the voters see his tax returns.
Hillary Clinton's record is pretty clear on her continued efforts to support the victims, first responders and businesses in the City of New York after the attack of 9/11; what is not clear other than Donald Trump's taking money he didn't deserve, what did Trump do for the victims, first responders and city during that time of tragedy?
It seems to me with Donald Trump propensity to exaggerate and embellish what ever he has done in life, pretty much out right lying most of the time....whether it's about sacrifices, contributions or anything else that doesn't involve him filling his own pockets, it is imperative that the voters see his tax returns.
Hillary Clinton's record is pretty clear on her continued efforts to support the victims, first responders and businesses in the City of New York after the attack of 9/11; what is not clear other than Donald Trump's taking money he didn't deserve, what did Trump do for the victims, first responders and city during that time of tragedy?
1
Trump is either lying about his net worth or is worried about showing the massive amount of funds from Russian sources that have him locked in.
We the people have a right to know fully about his income and how he plans to be "not" involved with his business interest - if for some scary reason he is elected.
Plus it would be good for us to see how much his plays the tax game to avoid playing taxes.
We the people have a right to know fully about his income and how he plans to be "not" involved with his business interest - if for some scary reason he is elected.
Plus it would be good for us to see how much his plays the tax game to avoid playing taxes.
I'm willing to bet that his personal federal tax returns will show that he hasn't personally paid any taxes for years. He has already said (through Cory Lewandowski) that he pays as little in taxes as possible. That would be zero. It's legal, no doubt, but how many of his working-class white male non-college-educated supporters would be happy to see they pay more in taxes than he does? Not many I hope, although I wouldn't be willing to bet on that.
1
So Trump is often fiscally (as well as morally) bankrupt. He pays illegal immigrant labor under the table to build his namesake properties. He cheats the smaller suppliers of their contracted payments by claiming fault with their services. He shelters income and maintains low cost structure by using off-shore production, robbing Americans of manufacturing jobs. He threatens lawsuits against anyone daring to stand up to him, effectively quashing justice because he has access to a legal team others cannot afford (and he writes off the expense). He hires his own family members and they all write off all of their family living expenses because any time they're together they can call it a "business dinner".
SERIOUSLY-- if Trump can pull off the *Birther* claim for years and keep it in the news, why isn't an equally-fabricated (yet probably mostly true) story being circulated and tweeted about regarding Trump's finances? All it takes is a *smidgen* of truth and it can be sustained for 100 days. Get to work, people.
SERIOUSLY-- if Trump can pull off the *Birther* claim for years and keep it in the news, why isn't an equally-fabricated (yet probably mostly true) story being circulated and tweeted about regarding Trump's finances? All it takes is a *smidgen* of truth and it can be sustained for 100 days. Get to work, people.
2
Since Trump loves air time the Sunday shows and radio stations should put a condition that he gets any time only if tax returns are disclosed. That won't happen ov course but it's nice to think about someone holding Trump accountable.
2
Pithy? I am sorry, but Trump has the vocabulary of a fifth grader, and the only thing that saves his tweets from being a disaster in expression is the limit on characters.
3
I agree that we should know what Trump's returns look like.
It is equally evident that we should see Hillary's speeches to the Wall Street crowd, because she could be lying to us about her real intentions.
It is equally evident that we should see Hillary's speeches to the Wall Street crowd, because she could be lying to us about her real intentions.
1
The press needs to pursue this relentlessly. It is every citizen's business to know Donald Trump's finances, especially given his campaign manager's past history.
4
Donald ignores decades of precedent in presidential campaigning, and almost never finds his bid the slightest bit jeopardized. It seems clear also he'll ignore any precedents of the office that don't suit him.
2
there is no law requiring candidates to disclose there tax forms. It is a recent tradition
1
Not 1, not 2, not 3, but 4 casino bankrupcies!! In Times Square the 3-card Monte players do better.
In the old days, when the "mob" ran the casinos in a bigger way, they skimmed the losers losses. But they were not so greedy as to kill the goose that lay the golden eggs.
Believe me, this does not pass the smell test. Believe me!
Note to Media: Open and close every story with a request for a single tax return that is not being audited.
In the old days, when the "mob" ran the casinos in a bigger way, they skimmed the losers losses. But they were not so greedy as to kill the goose that lay the golden eggs.
Believe me, this does not pass the smell test. Believe me!
Note to Media: Open and close every story with a request for a single tax return that is not being audited.
2
Trump said he could shoot someone in broad daylight and it wouldn't have any effect on his followers. Do you really think these people care about his taxes? They are too busy looking over their shoulders and being afraid to even consider intelligent questions or facts. They have no intellectual curiosity whatsoever. Remember, Trump just loves the poorly educated. His words!
5
I must confess, after reading the headline, that I was confused to find that a "ducks tax" exists--and surprised that Trump made a disclosure about it.
1
It's absolutely outrageous that releasing full tax returns is not a legal requirement for all Presidential candidates.
4
It most likely has something to do with his financial connections to Russia. Can anything be done to prevent the Russians from hacking into voting machines in November to influence the election results the way they hacked into the DNC?
3
I think that if he wanted to, President Obama could speed up the audit. I think that the Democrats get more traction out of whining about how he doesn't release his returns and what horrible stuff might be in them. They're probably very boring and run of the mill. The worst might be that he doesn't pay enough tax or give to charity enough. No matter what's in them the vultures will spin his return into something bad.
You know that relentless pressure for Trump to release his tax returns will only result in his supporters circling the wagons and saying how unfair the 'main stream' media is to pick on poor Trump. It will have the opposite of the desired effect. How do I know that? Um, well, look at everything that has happened so far in this election. What we thought we knew to be true about how elections are conducted and how candidates behave have been lifted from the Bizarro World and now are the norm.
3
The ONLY thing that has any chance whatsoever of turning off (at least some of) Trump's supporters would be the revelation that he isn't what he's claimed to be: a brilliant billionaire businessman. If those claims bite the dust -- as they well might if Trump were to release his tax returns (which he obviously never will) -- all of the other arguments he's made in support of his candidacy ("I'm the one who can negotiate better trade deals/make Mexico build a wall/get NATO members to pay up!") disappear. Unless the Trumpeteers feel personally betrayed by their Chosen One, they will support him to the end.
Trump should turn over his tax returns...right after Hillary turns over the 30,000 missing emails.
The hypocrisy and bias of this newspaper knows no bounds.
The hypocrisy and bias of this newspaper knows no bounds.
2
Trump trumpets the naked security breach of Hillary's campaign emails by a foreign power yet shields his own tax returns from the common norm of transparency. The media should stay on this hypocrite like a rug, demanding access to his tax returns as the price of ongoing coverage. And who cares if he rails at the media? He rails at everyone. Do the American media have no standards other than ratings?
1
Is there anything we can do to insist he produce his tax returns? A petition?
1
Especially sad: should billionaire Mr. Trump actually gain the White House, he'll receive a life-long salary and benefits (health care, etc.) paid by the taxes of families struggling with their own medical and other bills.
120
We're not going to win harping on Trump's tax returns. They are unlikely to yield anything of lasting or critical value. Besides, Trump and Hillary are BOTH enormously wealthy, and Hillary has links to the Foundation, foreign governments, etc.. In other words, in quest for greater and greater disclosure of bad things, Hillary stands to lose the most. I think it more relevant to learn what Wiki-leaks is about to release -- that could contain far more disastrous disclosures.
1
Oh, to think that Sarah Palin's candidacy were the good old days.
We know the man pays attention to twitter - do you think he would respond if tweets about his taxes went viral? Is there a way to shame him into releasing them?
On 7/30 (https://youtu.be/MyMtQfHjWcA), Seth Meyers said what I've been saying for decades, though w/o Meyers' public forum:
“Trump, I think you’re not releasing your taxes because you don’t have any money. I think you’re broke. ... You’re not running for president because you want the power or you want to make America great, I think you need the $400,000 a year salary.”
The Drumpf, one day after Meyers' slamdown, made an admission-against-interest which must be taken to be true, viz.: Trump Admits That He Will Lose The Election If He Releases His Tax Returns, http://www.politicususa.com/2016/07/31/trump-admits-lose-election-releas.... Daughter Ivanka said, even more gut-wrenching to The Drumpf's self-adulation, that her dad once told her that a derelict sitting on a curb, as they walked past, "is worth 8 billion dollars more than me" which he explained meant that he was 8 billion dollars in the red. Things have only gotten worse since that repartee. Genius ... Meyers, that is.
“Trump, I think you’re not releasing your taxes because you don’t have any money. I think you’re broke. ... You’re not running for president because you want the power or you want to make America great, I think you need the $400,000 a year salary.”
The Drumpf, one day after Meyers' slamdown, made an admission-against-interest which must be taken to be true, viz.: Trump Admits That He Will Lose The Election If He Releases His Tax Returns, http://www.politicususa.com/2016/07/31/trump-admits-lose-election-releas.... Daughter Ivanka said, even more gut-wrenching to The Drumpf's self-adulation, that her dad once told her that a derelict sitting on a curb, as they walked past, "is worth 8 billion dollars more than me" which he explained meant that he was 8 billion dollars in the red. Things have only gotten worse since that repartee. Genius ... Meyers, that is.
2
The media should stop interviewing Trump on TV or radio until he releases his tax returns.
2
One wonders how long it takes for the Trump income tax submission to be audited. IRS, please hurry up this process so we can view the return. In the alternative, declare the audit complete and remove the nondisclosure excuse.
2
This must be one heck of an audit.
1
You people are getting truly, truly desperate. Never mind Trumps' tax return. If not that, you will find a fly in his soup, a tear in his pants, anything.
This is now borderline ridiculous. As an outsider, I'm so glad I'm not party to the American style democracy, where money talks and anonymous, un-elected 'delegates' decide, not the people.
Trump is a colourful figure, definitely not your run-of-the-mill politico, who can rattle the establishment, but frankly, HRC is not any better; in fact she's more dangerous.
The woman is too power-hungry, too show-offish and extremely untrustworthy.
As for the hapless Pakistani couple with their heavily staged and scripted appearance - give me a break.
If anything they're doing a disservice to their son's memory.
The Democratic Party should be ashamed.
This is now borderline ridiculous. As an outsider, I'm so glad I'm not party to the American style democracy, where money talks and anonymous, un-elected 'delegates' decide, not the people.
Trump is a colourful figure, definitely not your run-of-the-mill politico, who can rattle the establishment, but frankly, HRC is not any better; in fact she's more dangerous.
The woman is too power-hungry, too show-offish and extremely untrustworthy.
As for the hapless Pakistani couple with their heavily staged and scripted appearance - give me a break.
If anything they're doing a disservice to their son's memory.
The Democratic Party should be ashamed.
1
Given the weight (and wait) of Trump's tax returns, is there no way the IRS can expedite their audit, thereby "freeing" Donald to release his returns?
1
Quite a few commenters here argue that the IRS should end its audit of Herr Drumpf as quickly as possible, and that would force him to finally show how much wealth he actually has, and how many of the loopholes he used, how charitable he was, etc., etc.
I assume that the IRS is by law not allowed to make public when an audit is completed or even if a person is indeed under audit.
How do we even know that he has been supposedly under audit for many years? He said it, and I take about every word that comes out of this lying, blabbering, know-nothing man's mouth with a grain of salt.
I assume that the IRS is by law not allowed to make public when an audit is completed or even if a person is indeed under audit.
How do we even know that he has been supposedly under audit for many years? He said it, and I take about every word that comes out of this lying, blabbering, know-nothing man's mouth with a grain of salt.
2
Someone needs to ask him why is he being audited, it pretty much comes down two things, under reporting of income or aggressive use of deductions.
4
Sadly because the Democrats let Clinton get away with not releasing the transcripts of her Goldman Sachs talks on top of her e-mail flaps, they have pretty much thrown the issue of hiding things out the window. Whenever anybody raises the issue of secrecy, Trump and his minions only have to point out Clinton's behavior to neutralize.
If the Democrats hadn't chosen a candidate with such a compromised background, they would have won the presidency in a walk this year. Instead they are in a tight race with the most clownish major party nominee in the history of the country.
Yeah, I know, it's all the fault of the Sanders supporters.
If the Democrats hadn't chosen a candidate with such a compromised background, they would have won the presidency in a walk this year. Instead they are in a tight race with the most clownish major party nominee in the history of the country.
Yeah, I know, it's all the fault of the Sanders supporters.
1
You're right; the touchstone of Trump's candidacy is his wealth, success and his vast charitable contributions. To say, "There's nothing to learn from them," or it's, "None of your business," is wrong on both counts. He's running on his record in those areas, and if they can't be substantiated, we're buying a pig in a poke.
Anyone thinking of voting for Trump based on his success in business has nothing but, "Believe me!" to go on. And for the highest office in the land and command of the most powerful military force in the world, including the nuclear triad, that should not be enough
Anyone thinking of voting for Trump based on his success in business has nothing but, "Believe me!" to go on. And for the highest office in the land and command of the most powerful military force in the world, including the nuclear triad, that should not be enough
1
Trump won't release his tax returns and Clinton won't release the transcripts of her speeches to Goldman, etc. Both of the major party candidates for president refused to come clean and have revealed themselves as liars to the American people and they were given the nominations anyway. That says more about us than it does about them.
1
No tax returns - no debate. I wouldn't share a platform with a candidate who does not respect the electorate enough to share the facts of their financial status.
As ever, the stale stench of deceit and evasion hangs heavy over Trump Tower. This guy is unqualified to be president on virtually every level.
2
Donald Trump's failure to release his tax returns clearly indicates he is embarrassed by what they will reveal about Donald Trump - the man who signed them. Unfortunately he is getting a pass from the press and voters so far, while hiding behind the lame excuse that he will release them once an IRS audit is complete.
What the IRS may say in an audit is another matter completely: the fact is voters want to know what Trump filed with the IRS; those tax returns are his signed statements of "truth" in income, expenditures (including charitable giving) and taxes paid.
Why is he afraid to release his own signed statement?
What the IRS may say in an audit is another matter completely: the fact is voters want to know what Trump filed with the IRS; those tax returns are his signed statements of "truth" in income, expenditures (including charitable giving) and taxes paid.
Why is he afraid to release his own signed statement?
3
Donald Trump - release your taxes!
Day after day, Donald Trump offers up one foolish statement after another. Day after day experts, elective officials and others respond to them and proclaim Donald Trump 'knows nothing' and that his ascendancy to the Presidency will most certainly put our people in harms way. It is obvious to most Americans. There is no way to spin his ignorance. There is no way to way to ignore the harm he is doing to America's reputation abroad.
So, where are our proud Republican leaders? Are they so foolish as to bury their heads in the sand. What do they expect to find there?
Day after day, the danger increases: Just in the past few days, playing games with Vladimir Putin; alerting the Russians that he might not protect our NATO allies; asking Putin to hack into our leader's computers.; and, insulting a Gold Star mother and her family. What next?
Where are our proud Republican leaders? Have They No Sense of Decency?
And lastly how do we explain this to our children? What terrible lessons are they learning?
Day after day, Donald Trump offers up one foolish statement after another. Day after day experts, elective officials and others respond to them and proclaim Donald Trump 'knows nothing' and that his ascendancy to the Presidency will most certainly put our people in harms way. It is obvious to most Americans. There is no way to spin his ignorance. There is no way to way to ignore the harm he is doing to America's reputation abroad.
So, where are our proud Republican leaders? Are they so foolish as to bury their heads in the sand. What do they expect to find there?
Day after day, the danger increases: Just in the past few days, playing games with Vladimir Putin; alerting the Russians that he might not protect our NATO allies; asking Putin to hack into our leader's computers.; and, insulting a Gold Star mother and her family. What next?
Where are our proud Republican leaders? Have They No Sense of Decency?
And lastly how do we explain this to our children? What terrible lessons are they learning?
1
Is there a reason my comment has still not been published? I'll submit it for the third time:
I agree with several other posters here that journalists—and debate moderators, if he ever makes it to a debate—should bring this up at every opportunity and, when confronted with his "under audit" nonsense, read him the quote from the IRS that makes it clear he's free to release the information whenever he wants. He needs to be directly rebutted.
I agree with several other posters here that journalists—and debate moderators, if he ever makes it to a debate—should bring this up at every opportunity and, when confronted with his "under audit" nonsense, read him the quote from the IRS that makes it clear he's free to release the information whenever he wants. He needs to be directly rebutted.
And while we're at it, how about a chance to review President Obama's college and law school transcripts? I believe that he is the first President in years not to make that information available. About as meaningful as Trump's tax returns, one would think.
2
What burns my butt is the fact that Trump thinks that we are all so stupid that we would believe that there is some excuse found in being audited. Trump is a con artist who thinks that he he smarter than everyone else. That makes him uniquely dangerous.
3
Keep up the pressure!! The press has been all to willing to let Trump control the conversations. The fact that he has a very checkered past and has been labeled a con artist by many intelligent people makes his tax returns disclosure absolutely necessary. He talks a good game - let's see what the facts really are.
And let's watch him under pressure.
And let's watch him under pressure.
1
Funny. There is outrage over his tax returns but nary a mention of the content of speeches that Hillary was paid a fortune to deliver.
I guess democratic bankstas are ok.
I guess democratic bankstas are ok.
2
I agree with several other posters here that journalists—and debate moderators, if he ever makes it to a debate—should bring this up at every opportunity and, when confronted with his "under audit" nonsense, read him the quote from the IRS that says he's free to release the returns at any time.
1
I agree. Likewise, voters deserve to have the transcript for Hillary's Wallstreet speaking engagements. Full transparency for both sides.
Two very obvious takeaways from this article, and some very intelligent reader-comments
1) Elections laws requiring current financial disclosures should be expanded to REQUIRE the release of Tax-Returns for the last 4 or 5 years.
2) We already know about the insane "Carried-Interest" loophole, We also need to close the loopholes that allow equally insane under-taxing of Real-Estate Income. Additionally we need to establish a Blue-Ribbon Commission to identify other unjustifiable provisions in the Tax Code.
1) Elections laws requiring current financial disclosures should be expanded to REQUIRE the release of Tax-Returns for the last 4 or 5 years.
2) We already know about the insane "Carried-Interest" loophole, We also need to close the loopholes that allow equally insane under-taxing of Real-Estate Income. Additionally we need to establish a Blue-Ribbon Commission to identify other unjustifiable provisions in the Tax Code.
1
Every time Trump makes an appearance on any TV news show, the first question should be "When are you going to release your tax returns?" When he hems and haws and evades, the TV host should say, "Well, until you do we have nothing further to talk about." Trump says he's felt no particular pressure to release his tax returns. It's up to the media to put that pressure on. Stop giving him air time until he releases the returns! Why is this so difficult?
4
Simple solution: Get the IRS to finish the audit, stat. Then, he'll have no excuses. Easy peasy.
Yesterday he said he has 'no debt'. The contractors he's stiffed and who've filed mechanic's liens agaist him think otherwise, and his tax returns will undoubtedly show he claims hefty deductions for interest he pays to those banks he says scramble to loan him money. Journalists, please keep up the pressure!
6
If his tax returns showed he makes as much money as he claims, he'd release them in a New York minute. Instead, I think they show he doesn't make near the money he says, he doesn't give to charity and he pays a tax rate so low that even his supporters would blanch.
3
Did voters also have a right to see the academic transcripts of Barak Obama which were and are sealed as well as the medical history of JFK who suffered from Addison's diseaseand almost died twice and even received last rites?
1
And what if Trump is running for President to enrich himself? The last 2015 tax returns would indicate whether that were true or not.
1
What would happen if Mexican hackers got into the IRS system to reveal Don Trumpo's tax returns?
1
Perhaps the Russians could hack them.
2
With regard to the government as with his contractors and vendors, it is likely that Donald Trump who would show himself as an equal opportunity stiffer.
2
Hackers of the world, if you're listening, could you find Donald Trump's tax returns for us.
The American people will be greatly appreciated.
The American people will be greatly appreciated.
2
Wow. So now to the NYT and it's grizzled commenters, the primary indicant of transparency is tax returns, about the only thing Hillary has disclosed, studiously manicured to create the illusion of honesty. Ask Americans. Would they rather see Trump's tax returns or the 33,000 emails Hillary deleted, shredded and buried with the deftness of a Mafia don deleting a corpse. Which would be more revealing as to the candidates. And what about Hillary and her doctors explaining and answering questions about the biopsy looking hole in Hillary's tongue that was revealed during one of her gap mouthed maniacal 'laughs' caught on camera. Has the NYT mentioned this issue that's all over electronic media? Why not? While I could write reams about other opaque, red flags non disclosures re Hillary and Obama beyond tax returns, the multi billion dollar Clinton Foundation shenanigans should be page one day after day. But no, only Trump and his tax returns are of interest to the NYT. Predictable as the sun rising in the East. And you wonder why Trump.
2
We already know that Trump is an ignorant boor and a cowardly bully. Hiding his tax returns is just another cowardly attempt to disguise his record. The returns may reveal who actually owns this lover of debt. But hey NYTimes and Wall Street Journal: if you can lay bare the financials of the Chinese Communist Party elites, why haven't you done so already with Don the Con? Should be a piece of cake. Believe me.
3
If i were to guess his tax returns will reveal the following:
"He is a wealthy idiot"
"He is a wealthy idiot"
You news folks need to keep harping on this item until it becomes a thing. Nothing is anything in America until it's a thing.
7
How can anyone support this dishonest, deceptive, inarticulate sociopath is beyond all common sense.
2
"There’s nothing to learn from them,” he tried to insist in May...
Those very words belie the thought behind them, since if there is nothing to learn from them, he should be happy to release them. And at the very least we might learn that Trump pays his fair share of taxes like most patriotic Americans, rich and poor.
"Billionaire businessman Donald Trump appears to have paid zero, or near-zero, in personal income taxes in at least two more years in the early 1990s, according to records from New Jersey’s gambling authorities reviewed by POLITICO."
“It’s none of your business,” Trump told ABC last month when asked what tax rate he pays. “You’ll see it when I release, but I fight very hard to pay as little tax as possible.”
http://www.politico.com/story/2016/06/donald-trump-no-taxes-224498#ixzz4...
Trump keeps telling us how smart he is, but he is too dumb to realize his own words betray him. The last thing the president of the greatest country in the world should be is both dishonest and dumb at the same time.
But alas, that is Trump all over...dishonest and dumb.
Those very words belie the thought behind them, since if there is nothing to learn from them, he should be happy to release them. And at the very least we might learn that Trump pays his fair share of taxes like most patriotic Americans, rich and poor.
"Billionaire businessman Donald Trump appears to have paid zero, or near-zero, in personal income taxes in at least two more years in the early 1990s, according to records from New Jersey’s gambling authorities reviewed by POLITICO."
“It’s none of your business,” Trump told ABC last month when asked what tax rate he pays. “You’ll see it when I release, but I fight very hard to pay as little tax as possible.”
http://www.politico.com/story/2016/06/donald-trump-no-taxes-224498#ixzz4...
Trump keeps telling us how smart he is, but he is too dumb to realize his own words betray him. The last thing the president of the greatest country in the world should be is both dishonest and dumb at the same time.
But alas, that is Trump all over...dishonest and dumb.
2
So why doesn't Obama order the IRS (aka Democrat political police force) to expedite the Trump tax audit?
2
Looking forward to the NY Times editorial demanding Mrs. Clinton release her Goldman Sachs transcripts.
2
Trump’s tax return? May be the Russians will hack it and pass it on to Wikileaks.
Apparently the Donald has everything to hide regarding his personal finances which mostly remain a fast and loose stealth target.
Fact is those who have made their minds up to adore the Donald don’t seem to care a whit about the mountain of Trump affronts and the semi full of his dirty laundry.
So what’s new NYT?
Apparently the Donald has everything to hide regarding his personal finances which mostly remain a fast and loose stealth target.
Fact is those who have made their minds up to adore the Donald don’t seem to care a whit about the mountain of Trump affronts and the semi full of his dirty laundry.
So what’s new NYT?
1
We know he doesn't give much, if any, to charity. All signs point to business involvement with the Russian mobsters, his son as much said so. He's on a blacklist with the majority of U.S. lenders. His two tax attorneys, William Nelson and Sheri Dillon, of Morgan Lewis, specialize in "tax controversy matters", so yes, he cheats on his taxes, which incidentally leaves the rest of us to pick up the slack. Trump claims to "love debt", he's probably leveraged to the max, which is why he can't "self fund". But what he doesn't want people to know, is that he scrambles to bring in an income. We know he qualified for a NY tax break for couples making under $500K a year. He licenses his name all over the place to shoddy products. He's under investigation for deliberately ripping off vulnerable people with Trump University. He's has a long, extensive history of stiffing small businesses. He's been running a long con for decades. But what he really doesn't want anyone to know, the biggest con of all, is that he's not a billionaire. Not even close. As one Wall Streeter said "He's not a billionaire, I'm a billionaire. He's a clown living on credit".
6
This editorial didn't even mention the Russian connection. Is Trump currently involved with Russian oligarchs and security services with his business deals? the fact that Trump has a former/current stooge of Putin (Paul Manafort) running his campaign means that the American voters MUST see those tax returns.
118
Would you release your tax returns if they would cause you to be tied to a post and shot?
1
Today’s Times' Opinion page offers well presented anti-Trump articles by Max Boot, Charles Blow and Paul Krugman and in addition, you have offered a pointed criticism of his refusal to disclose his taxes. I say well done! This is an excellent collection of accurate condemnatory assessments.
As a faithful Times’ reader, I couldn’t ask for more.
My question to you is, “How do you get the Trump supporters to listen and more to the point awaken to the error of their ways?”
As a faithful Times’ reader, I couldn’t ask for more.
My question to you is, “How do you get the Trump supporters to listen and more to the point awaken to the error of their ways?”
3
If Clinton was withholding her taxes, the media would be all over her and so would the public. He needs to disclose his taxes.
2
If, as Mr. Trump claims, the Obama administration (which supports Clinton) has the IRS in its pocket (hence their close scrutiny of Tea Party organizations), and if, as Mr. Trump claims, that Ms. Clinton has a vast network of corrupt and illegal operatives (capable of "fixing" any problem), why is she seemingly unable to find a single soul who can leak Trump's tax returns?
I'm sure the moderator will pound that question to the Donald in the debates. Otherwise, it is just another proof of the mainstream media's total irresponsibility for the rise of the Donald.
This statement is incredibly misleading:
"When Mr. Romney finally complied, voters were surprised to discover that his effective tax rate was 14 percent — well below the official 35 percent rate for those in his top bracket."
It implies that the effective tax rate for "those in his top bracket" is 35 percent. This is patently false. You are comparing marginal and effective tax rates as if they are the same thing. Of COURSE his effective tax rate is lower than his marginal tax rate.
I'm neither a Romney nor a Trump supporter, but it is certainly unfair that you are implying that Romney paid less than half of what his peers ("peers" defined as those in his marginal tax bracket) paid in taxes.
You do your readers a disservice by implying marginal and effective tax rates are the same thing. A much more interesting analysis would be how Romney's, Trump's, or any wealth person's effective tax rate compares to their peers.
"When Mr. Romney finally complied, voters were surprised to discover that his effective tax rate was 14 percent — well below the official 35 percent rate for those in his top bracket."
It implies that the effective tax rate for "those in his top bracket" is 35 percent. This is patently false. You are comparing marginal and effective tax rates as if they are the same thing. Of COURSE his effective tax rate is lower than his marginal tax rate.
I'm neither a Romney nor a Trump supporter, but it is certainly unfair that you are implying that Romney paid less than half of what his peers ("peers" defined as those in his marginal tax bracket) paid in taxes.
You do your readers a disservice by implying marginal and effective tax rates are the same thing. A much more interesting analysis would be how Romney's, Trump's, or any wealth person's effective tax rate compares to their peers.
Trump has concluded that he is more likely to lose the election by releasing the tax returns than by not releasing them. And his supporters admire his obstinancy.
1
He claimed in a recent interview that there's been "very little pressure" to release the returns. Blatant lie #3,489. But still, the pressure has to continue and increase. People, Democrats, the press need to refuse let him bully and dominate his way out of this. They need to call out his lies over and over.
2
It's never going to happen. Given Trump's history (e.g. his braggadocio, dishonesty, business tactics like routine use or bankruptcy, etc.) it's inevitable that his tax returns would reveal aggressive tax avoidance, much lower wealth than claimed, and little philantrophy. He knows that these are the lies that would finally stick and would be the end.
1
It's window dressing at best. How his returns would be interpreted would most likely depend on the political bend of the interpreter. I'd like to see Clinton Foundation tax returns while we're at it.
Even if the audit excuse held water, it wouldn't be a reason to delay releasing previous years' tax returns. I'd wager Trump is up to his eyeballs in questionable claims, and worth far less than he's bragged, and deeply in debt to Kremlin-connected figures.
1
Couldn't President Obama issue a pardon for any potential tax crime, fraud, or evasion facing Donald Trump for what may be found in his tax returns, thus freeing him to release them as he claims he would? Certainly the public benefit of such an act outweighs any penalty assessed by the IRS in the event that they uncover something dodgy in his returns.
I think disclosure of tax returns is an invasive tradition that should end. It's frankly none of the public's business how much a candidate earns or how much tax they pay.
1
Being audited is no reason for non release. Obviously it is not a fear of triggering an audit since one has commenced. It is hard to see how a release could impact him negatively with IRS if the return is already under review. The only possible negative effect would be with the electorate. The regular statute of limitations (with some exceptions) for tax audits is 3 years from the date of filing and it is unusual for there to be more than three years under audit at the same time. Why doesn't Mr Trump at least release copies of all tax returns for which the audits have "closed"? This might include 2012 and all years prior.
1
Unfortunately, his supporters will vote for him whether or not he releases his tax returns. Even if he does disclose them and even if they show all that's been alleged - they'll still vote for him.
Thoughtful, reasonable and fair questions raised in articles like this only play well with thoughtful, reasonable and fair readers - and they figured Trump out long ago.
But keep em coming - maybe they will cause a few people to re-think their choice.
Thoughtful, reasonable and fair questions raised in articles like this only play well with thoughtful, reasonable and fair readers - and they figured Trump out long ago.
But keep em coming - maybe they will cause a few people to re-think their choice.
1
There are so many things that the Donald should account for including every statement he has made attacking others and hiding information about himself. It all boils around him like angry bees and yet he just ignores them and expects everyone else to do the same. If they are mentioned we are being unfair to him as if his words and actions did not matter for a candidate for the most powerful position in the world. He calls Hillary Clinton a crook for lesser offenses, but will not take responsibility for himself. How can we trust him to take responsibility for anything he would do as president?
1
Thank you for this editorial -- the subject of his tax returns have been mostly forgotten by the public and I think in order to truly compare the two candidates we need to know exactly where he is by comparing his statements on his income with what is one measure of reality. Why are we allowing him special treatment when other presidential candidates for the past forty years have revealed theirs in the spirit of full disclosure.
1
As a sociopath (= malignant narcissist on steroids; with our a conscience) Trump is immune to being shamed or pressured or feeling empathy.
He doesn't care how we feel. He delights in stiffing us! He relishes lying. Ripping off the public is his bread and butter. Sadism is his pleasure.
Either we need some billionaires to fund a contest for people to hack & reveal his taxes. Or we need the FBI/CIA to do that for us.
The other option is simply to shame GOP politicians into repudiating this con man to the point where they urge Republicans to vote against him.
We need to start a national campaign to vote out of office any Republican who fails to side with our national interest and national security by repudiating Don the Ripper! Let them come forward, tell voters to vote against him. Or they are cowards and hypocrites and do not deserve to hold office.
Our Republic is in danger! GOP pols, can you hear us?
He doesn't care how we feel. He delights in stiffing us! He relishes lying. Ripping off the public is his bread and butter. Sadism is his pleasure.
Either we need some billionaires to fund a contest for people to hack & reveal his taxes. Or we need the FBI/CIA to do that for us.
The other option is simply to shame GOP politicians into repudiating this con man to the point where they urge Republicans to vote against him.
We need to start a national campaign to vote out of office any Republican who fails to side with our national interest and national security by repudiating Don the Ripper! Let them come forward, tell voters to vote against him. Or they are cowards and hypocrites and do not deserve to hold office.
Our Republic is in danger! GOP pols, can you hear us?
3
I'm not surprised that the republican candidate for president won't release his tax returns; Donald J. Trump is a private man who doesn't like to share his business successes or inner thoughts via twitter or radio or TV or any other medium imaginable. His decision not to release his tax returns is totally keeping within his character.
While Donald Trump continues to insult, mystify, and show off his lack of a moral compass, I am reminded of Leona Helmsley and her abuse of the " Little People". I truly wish the Republican leadership would simply bite the bullet and disown this horror of a man. Their esteem would rise in the eyes of a world that is terrified of a Trump presidency.
1
Trump's philosophy is to take the most he can from his country and return the least.
He is among the billionaires who pay zero income tax, the perfect parasites. Give nothing; take everything; and lie endlessly.
He is among the billionaires who pay zero income tax, the perfect parasites. Give nothing; take everything; and lie endlessly.
When asked by the US Senate Kefauver Committee in the 1950's what he has ever sacrificed for his country, crime boss Frank Costello quipped, "I pay my taxes."
With Trump, we don't even know if he has done that much.
With Trump, we don't even know if he has done that much.
Trump has bragged about his wealth -and his success- for years, Now he wants to keep it a secret. As someone once screamed--Show me the money!!
Hillary should refuse to debate him unless he releases his tax forms.
Go to a bank for a loan and the first thing they demand is your tax returns. Guess why. C'mon Trump, spit 'em out or don't think we're all so stupid as to trust you!
3
Oh I think we all know what he's hiding. Psssst: he didn't pay ANY taxes.
Although I agree that the American people have an absolute right to see the documentation of Mr Trump's clever avoidance of his civic obligations, the release of his taxes is really not going to make much difference with regard to the success of his presidential campaign. It's already over. (Thank you so much Mr. and Mrs. Khan). He doesn't have the chance of a snowball in hell.
Although I agree that the American people have an absolute right to see the documentation of Mr Trump's clever avoidance of his civic obligations, the release of his taxes is really not going to make much difference with regard to the success of his presidential campaign. It's already over. (Thank you so much Mr. and Mrs. Khan). He doesn't have the chance of a snowball in hell.
Republican voters might need to know. . .the rest can wait until after the election to start the impeachment process.
In the interest of efficiency why don't we just reprint all of the editorials and readers comments from the Romney campaign. Your transparent motivation wrapped in "righteous indignation" is the same...
Trump qualified for NYC's $300 STAR refund, which requires income of under $500,000. NYC requires submission of a tax return to verify income and then confirms income with NYS every year. Nuff said?
http://bit.ly/2aG2Shm
http://bit.ly/2aG2Shm
2
Everyone I believe is right to ask Trump to release his tax returns, he says they are not complete.
Are the last, at least five years of his returns not complete also?
How about showing these last Five years of returns while Americans wait for latest returns as a gesture, or is IRS still befuddled by those?
Are the last, at least five years of his returns not complete also?
How about showing these last Five years of returns while Americans wait for latest returns as a gesture, or is IRS still befuddled by those?
I don't care about his taxes. I'm sure Romney's were annoying too. But I would like to see some comment on the lack of transparency about the transcripts of Hillary's speeches to financial donors like Goldman Sachs. That speaks more to what policy will look like than a tax return. God, I've got to just cancel my subscription to NYT after what they did to Bernie.
The emperor does not want to be seen with no clothes, unlike the emperor's wife.
2
Donald Trump's tweets are "pithy"? Not so much.
He’s as authentic as his wife’s college degree. Not providing his taxes tells all in as much as providing them would.
The Trump Clinton double standard of behavior keeps growing exponentially. Where’s the media outcry on this? Grrrrr.
The Trump Clinton double standard of behavior keeps growing exponentially. Where’s the media outcry on this? Grrrrr.
1
Clintons haven’t disclosed 1,100 foreign contributions to the Clinton Foundation. Maybe if they do that Trump will release his taxes. I'm
I have an idea. Trump likes assigning schoolyard nicknames to people. How about this one for him: Donald Ducks.
2
Even more pathetic than Trump, the candidate, are the vast number of Trump supporters that will vote for him regardless of anything the buffoon, con man says or does . . . or in the case of disclosing income taxes, doesn't do.
4
Surely there are many people close to Trump who see what a danger he would be as President. One of them should have the courage and patriotism to leak his tax returns.
1
Hypocrites don't disclose facts that harm them.
1
Important to note that few to none of us could get a mortgage or a student loan without disclosing our income. Why should we consider Trump as our president until he meets the same low bar? Why not release the returns?
2
When you hold yourself off as the sole savior of the nation, your evangelical backers such as Jerry Falwell, Jr., can argue that Jesus never released His taxes either.
The other "politician" who similarly held himself out was Hitler, and he never produced his tax returns either.
The other "politician" who similarly held himself out was Hitler, and he never produced his tax returns either.
1
It has already come to light that Trump annually claims, and receives, a $300 property tax break in New York City for households whose gross is less than $500,000. So either those applications are completely fraudulent, or he is cheating on his taxes by paying for his expenses through one of his companies and taking only a nominal salary. Why do you not expose this, NYT? It's a five-minute database search.
Does Adolf Trump really think that the public buys his story about why he is not releasing his tax returns?
He lives in a fantasy world and that alone disqualifies him from the presidency. He can lie to himself, his family his banks, and his employees. They all may be beholding to him but the public is not.
His malignant personality and psyche knows no bounds. Fortunately after his resounding defeat in November he can slink back to his fortress and spew stories why he is a 'loser'.
Being a loser is his biggest fear, but thats all he ever was, is and will be.
He lives in a fantasy world and that alone disqualifies him from the presidency. He can lie to himself, his family his banks, and his employees. They all may be beholding to him but the public is not.
His malignant personality and psyche knows no bounds. Fortunately after his resounding defeat in November he can slink back to his fortress and spew stories why he is a 'loser'.
Being a loser is his biggest fear, but thats all he ever was, is and will be.
1
Why in the world would anyone give an opponent a cudgel to hit them with? If Trump releases his tax returns the Times and Washington Post will immediately assign dozens of researchers to go over the returns looking for anything that could be use against him. The Clinton campaign would do the same thing.
1
We all know why he's not doing it. Inside the golden helicopter, beneath the custom suit stands a man with threadbare underwear and holes in his socks. He spends every penny he can get his hands on to maintain the outward appearance of uber success. We've all known people like that. I had an uncle who always had a brand new Coup DeVille, but the mattress on his bed looked like it came from a concentration camp. Donald's cover would be completely blown and the whole world would be laughing at him. Especially all his rich friends. Appearance is everything to little boy Trump.
1
Amazing that you actually think it's important Trump releases his tax information. Democrats and this paper couldn't care less how Clinton's obtained their money and what their charity is really doing. If so they would want an accounting. Hillary says she's going to tax the rich. How ridiculous she is the rich as are her friends. She's not going to tax them. No matter how often Clinton's lie to you people you want to vote them in ?
3
As someone who works in the IRS, I can tell you that the agency errs on the side of not auditing someone wealthy enough to push back with expensive attorneys unless it has a very solid case. So, the fact that Trump has been audited multiple times means there is perpetually something REALLY WRONG with his returns. Now, real estate has some of the biggest tax avoidance loopholes of any industry, so it is quite likely he paid 0% in taxes, or something close to that.
1
Now let's see the article about the Clinton Foundation and how in 2014 the raised 248k and 13.6% went to aide to people. Where did all that other money go?
3
Is this a joke editorial, Times? Where are your girl's Wall Street transcripts? The ones for the speeches they paid her $1/4 million an hour for? Or were there no speeches and the millions were straight out bribes?
3
"is he really as rich and talented as ..."
Who cares? More importantly, what are his business deals with Russia, how much tax he has been paying , and how extensively he outsources jobs?
As far as his behavior with women, many do not seem particularly offended as they do walk out and some even date him after "the offensive behavior". Please focus on full disclosure of his taxes and relationship with Russia.
Who cares? More importantly, what are his business deals with Russia, how much tax he has been paying , and how extensively he outsources jobs?
As far as his behavior with women, many do not seem particularly offended as they do walk out and some even date him after "the offensive behavior". Please focus on full disclosure of his taxes and relationship with Russia.
The media continues to provide Donald Trump with free coverage - the papers on all the talk shows, all the editorials revolve around Trump - many negative but none-the-less - more Trump. We read little about the Clinton campaign. There is no mention of the facts that the Republicans refused to work with the President from Day 1 - even to refusing to do their duty to consider a Supreme Court candidate. The media is partly responsible for the dislike of Hillary - parroting the refrain day after day. I recall that equal time opportunities are the law. How about it guys - yes it's guys who control the airwaves and print. Maybe that says it all.
Yes, he should release his returns. And he says he will when the audit is finished. But the IRS says he may release them now. So he should be called out in the debates, and by the media.
I don't remember the tradition or precedent of releasing private speech transcripts. So, It's a false comparison to spin Returns vs. Transcripts. Hillary has released her returns, Trump has not. That is the issue.
Trump's shady connections with Russia take this issue to a different level beyond curiosity about his wealth or his gifting habits. Will Trump advocate for US interests always? Or will he govern from the Dick Cheney model?
I don't remember the tradition or precedent of releasing private speech transcripts. So, It's a false comparison to spin Returns vs. Transcripts. Hillary has released her returns, Trump has not. That is the issue.
Trump's shady connections with Russia take this issue to a different level beyond curiosity about his wealth or his gifting habits. Will Trump advocate for US interests always? Or will he govern from the Dick Cheney model?
4
I suspect the Donald will not release his tax data because it would expose that he is not the man he has been promoting himself to be. Donald's tax data would most likely show significantly less income, significantly more tax deductions, and substantially less in charitable donations than he claims he's made. It would also expose how much of his personal and family member travel is being subsidized by those gullible enough to support him.
The only thing Trump has sacrificed is the truth.
The only thing Trump has sacrificed is the truth.
2
There is one reason and one reason only why Donald Trump does not want to release his tax returns and that is because clearly he is not worth anywhere near what he and his surrogates keep claiming. If there is a positive asset one could apply to Trump is that he has always been a good promoter especially of his name and brand. The problem is, when looking a bit closer, he does not own that many physical assets which would, in turn, be part of the value in the billions he claims is the amount of his worth. Locally, as well as in other locations, a Trump tower hotel/condominium complex opened a few years ago with of course, his name prominently displayed all over the building. The actual investment, purchase of land and financing of the construction of the building in its entirety, was done by a local real estate developer. Other than his name and some management/promotion fees, Trump has little or ever had any investment in the project. Of course, along with all Trumps ongoing previous lawsuits, the local developer has sued because Trump and his organization is no longer living up to their side of the bargain from which they are paid. Of course, Trump has, for whatever reason, counter sued. The developer wishes to sell at which point the new owner could legally remove Trumps name from the building.
If Trumps tax returns displayed that he was worth a lot less than what he claimed, then the Trump name and brand would plummet in value.
If Trumps tax returns displayed that he was worth a lot less than what he claimed, then the Trump name and brand would plummet in value.
3
Disclosure of tax returns should not be a requirement for Presidential candidates. Having said that, what would be good for Trump would be equally good for Clinton. Have Trump release his tax returns and have Clinton release the Clinton Foundation tax returns, donor list and release the transcripts from her Wall Street speeches. Full disclosure from both candidates.
2
The comments posted here imploring the mainstream media to hammer Trump for his refusal to release his tax returns are dead-on.
The American people ought to treat Trump's continued refusal to release relevant and -- for a Presidential nominee -- quotidian information as warranting an adverse inference.
The concept of an adverse interest is frequently invoked in court where a party is hiding or destroying evidence. In such cases, a judge is permitted to instruct a jury that it is entitled to presume that the party engaged in evidence spoliation is attempting to hide something that might demonstrate their wrongdoing, or legal liability.
There is no reason that the American people are not entitled to an adverse inference here, in the face of Trump's recalcitrance and obfuscation.
Trump is obviously hiding something, and even if he isn't, as a public figure running for the highest office in the land, he bears the burden of demonstrating his own credibility -- particularly when he himself has opened the door by campaigning as a business guru.
The American people ought to treat Trump's continued refusal to release relevant and -- for a Presidential nominee -- quotidian information as warranting an adverse inference.
The concept of an adverse interest is frequently invoked in court where a party is hiding or destroying evidence. In such cases, a judge is permitted to instruct a jury that it is entitled to presume that the party engaged in evidence spoliation is attempting to hide something that might demonstrate their wrongdoing, or legal liability.
There is no reason that the American people are not entitled to an adverse inference here, in the face of Trump's recalcitrance and obfuscation.
Trump is obviously hiding something, and even if he isn't, as a public figure running for the highest office in the land, he bears the burden of demonstrating his own credibility -- particularly when he himself has opened the door by campaigning as a business guru.
3
I am glad to see the Times following up on Donald Trump's tax records, and look forward to the paper's forthcoming reiteration of it editorial regarding the public's right to see transcripts of Hillary Clinton's speeches to Goldman Sachs and other financial institutions. My initial reaction to the existence of these speaking engagements was that I was certain there was no there there. As time passes and still nothing is forthcoming, I am beginning to suspect I may be wrong about that.
3
Maybe someone should appeal to Russia to hack into Trump's business affairs and do some digging in his tax returns. The more the media pressures him, the less likely he is to comply. The pressure has to come from elsewhere. And, boy, oh, boy, what a discovery it will be! The ridiculous thing is that while refinancing my co-op I had to provide three years of tax returns in addition to all sorts of other information. So the GOP candidate can't give us a glimpse of what is in his returns. Honestly, it should be required by law to do so since the rest of us chumps are put through this type of scrutiny.
1
Surely what the returns reveal is so damaging that he would rather weather the storm about not releasing them. No charitable giving, limited taxes or no taxes paid, and an income far less than he purports. Given his claims of great wealth and business acumen as well as supposed charitable giving he would be revealed to be a fraud.
1
It's fascinating that the Clinton campaign is not pounding the drums on this issue. Clearly, releasing his taxes will be a negative for Trump (or else he would release them), but I believe that the Clinton team is worried that if he releases them soon, he will do his usual slippery wiggle-dance and have time to recover.
The Clinton team is, IMO, holding on to this one and will ratched up the pressure in October.
The Clinton team is, IMO, holding on to this one and will ratched up the pressure in October.
While its true that there is no requirement for a candidate to release his tax returns, there is also no requirement that candidates of the major parties get security briefings from the CIA. This was started by Harry Truman in the post WW2 era after the Soviets became our "enemy" and the China went red.
I think it would be an entirely appropriate quid prop quo to deny Trumpler any intelligence briefings not only due to his refusal to play according to the rules of present day politics, but also his questionable coziness to Putin.
I think it would be an entirely appropriate quid prop quo to deny Trumpler any intelligence briefings not only due to his refusal to play according to the rules of present day politics, but also his questionable coziness to Putin.
1
Major media must be intimidated by Trump because he seems to be escaping the justifiable demands for the release of his tax returns.
With a few exceptions the press and journalism are behaving in what can only be called a cowardly manner on this critical evasion.
This is the single dynamic issue that Trump cannot blame on interpretation or bias and will expose him, unequivocally, as the fraud and liar that he is.
Given all the evidence of his dishonesty, is there any doubt that Trump's candidacy will suffer irrevocable damage when he's totally exposed in black and white?
All honest media has a moral obligation to relentlessly and assertively confront Trump on this singular issue. If this is not accomplished, we will all suffer the disastrous consequences.
With a few exceptions the press and journalism are behaving in what can only be called a cowardly manner on this critical evasion.
This is the single dynamic issue that Trump cannot blame on interpretation or bias and will expose him, unequivocally, as the fraud and liar that he is.
Given all the evidence of his dishonesty, is there any doubt that Trump's candidacy will suffer irrevocable damage when he's totally exposed in black and white?
All honest media has a moral obligation to relentlessly and assertively confront Trump on this singular issue. If this is not accomplished, we will all suffer the disastrous consequences.
By all means, Editors, press Mr. Trump to release his tax returns, which are material to voters' evaluation of him as a candidate in the general election. Likewise, please press Mrs. Clinton to release transcripts of the speeches for which she has received fees, honoraria, contributions (whether direct or to a foundation or other entity) or other consideration, as these documents are likewise material to voters' evaluation of her as a candidate in the general election.
2
Three things will emerge with Drumpf's tax records:
1. Evidence of tax fraud (criminal).
2. Evidence his NET worth is far below what he has stated, perhaps even negative.
3. Evidence he has taken a lot of money from russian investors.
1. Evidence of tax fraud (criminal).
2. Evidence his NET worth is far below what he has stated, perhaps even negative.
3. Evidence he has taken a lot of money from russian investors.
1
I need to know if he is really as rich and successful as he claims. Really. My acceptance of a place at Trump University is contingent on the contents of the tax statement.
2
Releasing his tax returns would show:
1. His net "worth" is much less than he claims.
2. That he pays a ridiculously low tax rate - maximizing his lavish, effete lifestyle while robbing the country of badly needed revenue.
3. He gives very little to charitable causes that actually help the less fortunate.
In effect, these returns would show he is a liar and a loser.
1. His net "worth" is much less than he claims.
2. That he pays a ridiculously low tax rate - maximizing his lavish, effete lifestyle while robbing the country of badly needed revenue.
3. He gives very little to charitable causes that actually help the less fortunate.
In effect, these returns would show he is a liar and a loser.
2
In our legal system, there is a long-standing rule of evidence that says if a party in possession of relevant documents refuses to produce them, the jury or other trier of fact must conclude that the documents would have supported the case of the opposing party.
Here, Americans can and should reasonably infer that if produced, Trump's tax returns would prove one or more of the following:
1. As deduced by various business experts and others, Trump has not had sufficient positive income to owe taxes; that is, Trump has been a continuing failure at business and is worth far less than he boasts.
2. As suggested by various journalists and other experts, Trump has been doing business with mafia figures, the Saudi Arabians, and/or the Russians; moreover, that Trump is deeply in debt to them.
3. Trump is a garden variety tax cheat who wrongfully mistated his income or taxes and has been fined, and/or Trump has unpatriotically avoided American taxes by moving his assets to offshore tax havens.
Whatever skeletons Trump is hiding in his tax returns, it is indeniable that Trump himself believes revealing it would be more damaging to his campaign than making it plain to voters that he has something very bad to hide.
Here, Americans can and should reasonably infer that if produced, Trump's tax returns would prove one or more of the following:
1. As deduced by various business experts and others, Trump has not had sufficient positive income to owe taxes; that is, Trump has been a continuing failure at business and is worth far less than he boasts.
2. As suggested by various journalists and other experts, Trump has been doing business with mafia figures, the Saudi Arabians, and/or the Russians; moreover, that Trump is deeply in debt to them.
3. Trump is a garden variety tax cheat who wrongfully mistated his income or taxes and has been fined, and/or Trump has unpatriotically avoided American taxes by moving his assets to offshore tax havens.
Whatever skeletons Trump is hiding in his tax returns, it is indeniable that Trump himself believes revealing it would be more damaging to his campaign than making it plain to voters that he has something very bad to hide.
"But the I.R.S. says Mr. Trump is free to release the returns at any time and to defend their accuracy, just as President Richard Nixon did while he was undergoing an audit. In the past, Mr. Trump has not hesitated to attack the I.R.S. as “very unfair,” but now he stands before the voters using the agency as a shield against disclosure."
Glad the IRS told us the truth. Trump is hiding either his weak wealth management or his unethical investments. If his returns could be as proud as his words, he would have disclosed it before everyone else's last year. It smells foul, very foul. It was really laughable that he had attacked Bernie's tax returns.
Glad the IRS told us the truth. Trump is hiding either his weak wealth management or his unethical investments. If his returns could be as proud as his words, he would have disclosed it before everyone else's last year. It smells foul, very foul. It was really laughable that he had attacked Bernie's tax returns.
Today, I'm from Missouri. So, Show Me your returns. Otherwise you cannot lay claim to "billionaire" or "businessman." The best I can do for Trump on the language front is "wealthy nominee."
2
I do want to see his tax return, but what I really want to know is if he is getting money from the Russians and, if so, how much?
1
Interesting. "The voters deserve to know what Mr. Trump is hiding,". So, yet again, the New York Times liberal attack squad has determined someone is guilt of something just because that person values their privacy.
It is strange why the Clinton Campaign has not as yet realized that Trump's failure to release his income tax returns is an effective campaign issue. HRC should find a space her campaign speeches to mention this religiously
Why can't the IRS wrap up the audit by, say, the end of August? I know they are short-handed because of Republican efforts to starve the beast; so why not wrap up his returns and put them out in the public square for all to see? Nothing to see here, indeed.
The real reason he doesn't release them - giving his current bankers/competitors full knowledge of his finances puts him at a significant disadvantage in his business dealings.
Remember, all he cares about is the money. I don't think he expects to win and wants to maximize his upside and minimize his downside post-election.
Remember, all he cares about is the money. I don't think he expects to win and wants to maximize his upside and minimize his downside post-election.
1
But it's so hard for Drumpf to complain about a rigged system, if you see how he worked the rigged system for his own benefit. Oh, but "believe me" now, given he's 70 years old, he's suddenly struck by patriotic duty to bring down the "rigged system" so others don't continue to abuse it. Hold on, I need to laugh a while...
1
Let's face it: When it comes to just about anything Trump says, you can file it under "Liar, liar, your pants are on fire." Trump's credibility is - and deserves to be - in the toilet. He won't release his tax returns because they will show how little he's worth and likely what kind of games he's playing with the tax laws, IMO. But he ALSO won't release his taxes b/c he is a near-perfect example of what psychologists call "oppositional-defiant disorder" - his refusal is not based on any reality other than his sheer cussedness.
What concerns me more are his rabid supporters, who seem (at the least) to be quite gullible, and (at worst) actually eager to be conned by this consummate con-man.
Whatever the outcome in November, I feel that Trump has long since earned himself the title "The Biggest Loser."
What concerns me more are his rabid supporters, who seem (at the least) to be quite gullible, and (at worst) actually eager to be conned by this consummate con-man.
Whatever the outcome in November, I feel that Trump has long since earned himself the title "The Biggest Loser."
1
Who hasn't figured out that Trump is a lying con artist? don't think so? Then he has a wall to sell you.
Day 412 and no Tax returns. Mr. Trump: What are you hiding?
2
As long as the IRS and the U. S. government are not interested why the hell should the author of this article state that the voters have a right to know what he is hiding. This is ludicrous that the author inveighs that he is hiding. This is not journalism, this is personal witchhunting. What a disgrace.
Since giving the security briefings to the presidential candidates is not legally required, why don't they make a "deal" with trump-- he get's them when WE see his tax returns.
2
His business acumen is a a scam he is a charlatan, the tax records will show that.
2
Donald Trump just cannot acknowledge that public service means he will be working for the American people, not the reverse. We are not the contractors that were consistently short-changed for their work. We are the voters, and we demand the release of his tax returns.
8
Trump says that he has received no pressure from voters to release his taxes. I urge voters who think he should show who he does business with and who he owes, to please join me in sending his Twitter account, a "Tax Tweet Every Day" until he decides to join all other modern era presidential candidate by releasing his.
Maybe if people can't find his little nuggets of Trumpean wisdom among the thousands of demand tweets for his taxes, he'll change his mind. As we know, he can't take not being in the spotlight.
Maybe if people can't find his little nuggets of Trumpean wisdom among the thousands of demand tweets for his taxes, he'll change his mind. As we know, he can't take not being in the spotlight.
2
Clinton has provided 8 yrs. of tax returns.
Trump's recent return may be under audit, but he can provide earlier returns.
She has provided her doctor's assessment of her health.
He should do likewise.
https://m.hrc.onl/secretary/10-documents/01-health-financial-records/201...
I think candidates for President should be required to take a series of psych exams to also include CAT scans and most definitely a PET Scan of the brain.
Given demonstrated behavioral patterns of Trump, it is certainly possible that he may suffer from early-onset Alzheimer's Disease (AD).
He has demonstrated severe memory problems, as well as a great deal of confused thinking. (Research AD.)
We have been continually exposed to his obvious memory problems, his inability to focus on the matter at hand, tendency to wander off topic, confusion regarding facts and figures, and his desire to avoid the task of answering questions in Q & A forums - such as the debates.
Another attribute of AD can be irascible behavior and poor anger management.
Brain scans - especially a PET scan - can indicate possible AD.
Observation, testing, and close questioning by a neurologist would be called for in any and all cases - especially those cases of a far reaching nature - for the sake of possible damage control.
If Trump is so afflicted then the sooner we know this the better, as any delay will only serve to further damage the country and all its citizens.
Trump's recent return may be under audit, but he can provide earlier returns.
She has provided her doctor's assessment of her health.
He should do likewise.
https://m.hrc.onl/secretary/10-documents/01-health-financial-records/201...
I think candidates for President should be required to take a series of psych exams to also include CAT scans and most definitely a PET Scan of the brain.
Given demonstrated behavioral patterns of Trump, it is certainly possible that he may suffer from early-onset Alzheimer's Disease (AD).
He has demonstrated severe memory problems, as well as a great deal of confused thinking. (Research AD.)
We have been continually exposed to his obvious memory problems, his inability to focus on the matter at hand, tendency to wander off topic, confusion regarding facts and figures, and his desire to avoid the task of answering questions in Q & A forums - such as the debates.
Another attribute of AD can be irascible behavior and poor anger management.
Brain scans - especially a PET scan - can indicate possible AD.
Observation, testing, and close questioning by a neurologist would be called for in any and all cases - especially those cases of a far reaching nature - for the sake of possible damage control.
If Trump is so afflicted then the sooner we know this the better, as any delay will only serve to further damage the country and all its citizens.
5
When someone pretends to hide something, the natural, intelligent response is to presume that they have something to hide.
The sticking point here is "intelligent"
The sticking point here is "intelligent"
5
It's pretty obvious: he doesn't have the net asset he claims, not even close, and he has lost money for consecutive years.
2
No tax returns released, no debates. He is changing the terms of this race and breaking precedents. Let's see him complain about this change. Which of course he will.
2
Why don't we ask the Russians to hack the IRS and take a look at his tax returns?
4
Trump is not ducking releasing his tax returns. He said he would release them when the IRS audits of his returns are finished. Trump does not have to do something because other people have done it. I noticed that Hilary Clinton has refused to release transcripts of the speeches she gave to Wall Street when asked by Bernie sanders to do so. That seems to be off your radar. I for one would like to know what she said to them because she is saying now basically saying that Wall Streets are corrupt. Sort of the pot calling the kettle Black. A significant majority of attorneys would not recommend releasing tax returns while they are under audit. Releasing the returns during an audit could cause anyone who has a grievance with you to misuse the released information, and try to intervene in the audit process, for their own personal, financial or political gain. I would suggest that the IRS be requested to finish with their audits ASAP so that Trump can release his final returns for the most recent years. When they are released they will have been audited and will be absolutely in agreement with all IRS laws and regulations so whatever his tax liability is it is. It will be much harder for people to criticize returns that have been audited and approved specifically by the IRS. Any criticism would have to be directed at those who wrote the laws and rules that one must follow.
Ironic this article is posted on the exact day that the top is about to blow off on "Clinton Cash" and her ties to Russia and some extrememly shady dealings.
Here is the official report:
http://www.g-a-i.org/u/2016/07/Report-Skolkvovo-.pdf
It would be wise for the New York Times to get in front of this instead of worrying about a billionaires tax returns. News flash; he is a billionaire and he probably made a billion dollars.
Also the IRS is digging deeper in the Clinton Foundation as of late last week.
The proverbial "other shoe is about to drop" might actually drop on Clinton. For most of us, it wouldn't surprise us at all. I mean it's been what, 3 days since the last Clinton scandal. So we're a little overdue, frankly.
Here is the official report:
http://www.g-a-i.org/u/2016/07/Report-Skolkvovo-.pdf
It would be wise for the New York Times to get in front of this instead of worrying about a billionaires tax returns. News flash; he is a billionaire and he probably made a billion dollars.
Also the IRS is digging deeper in the Clinton Foundation as of late last week.
The proverbial "other shoe is about to drop" might actually drop on Clinton. For most of us, it wouldn't surprise us at all. I mean it's been what, 3 days since the last Clinton scandal. So we're a little overdue, frankly.
If Trump is such a tough guy, he should be able to withstand the fire of any blowback from showing his taxes. Further, this is one of those moments when Trump can put to the test his frequently vaunted claim that he could shoot someone in the middle of the street and still get elected. Let revealing his tax returns--even if it might be as damning as shooting someone in the middle of street--and let's see if he can withstand the blow back from such a revelation.
PLease editors, ask the Clinton administration to put this proposal out there.
PLease editors, ask the Clinton administration to put this proposal out there.
1
Hey NY Times - is your article a joke for Mad Magazine?
Trying to hide? You obviously mean Hillary Rodham Clinton, no?
Let us see:
- Hillary hides Rose Law Firm legal papers for 2 years
- Hillary hides how she turned $1,000 into $100,000 knowing nothing about
cattle futures market
- Hillary hides her lies about her statement "I was shot at when I landed in
Bosnia" - where NO shooting ever occurred
- Hillary hid her involvement in crucifying Billy Boy's mistresses
- Hillary hides her motives for her illegal private State Dept email server
- Hillary hides proof of her corruption regarding payoffs to her at the State
Dept by destroying her emails
- Hillary hides Clinton Foundation domestic & international corruption from
the entire Democrat National Convention by forcing everyone to make no
mention of the corrupt Foundation
Need more of what Hillary is killing herself to hide? vs Trump.
Did not think so NY Times, a.k.a. Socialist Times - no comparison.
Trying to hide? You obviously mean Hillary Rodham Clinton, no?
Let us see:
- Hillary hides Rose Law Firm legal papers for 2 years
- Hillary hides how she turned $1,000 into $100,000 knowing nothing about
cattle futures market
- Hillary hides her lies about her statement "I was shot at when I landed in
Bosnia" - where NO shooting ever occurred
- Hillary hid her involvement in crucifying Billy Boy's mistresses
- Hillary hides her motives for her illegal private State Dept email server
- Hillary hides proof of her corruption regarding payoffs to her at the State
Dept by destroying her emails
- Hillary hides Clinton Foundation domestic & international corruption from
the entire Democrat National Convention by forcing everyone to make no
mention of the corrupt Foundation
Need more of what Hillary is killing herself to hide? vs Trump.
Did not think so NY Times, a.k.a. Socialist Times - no comparison.
The NYT seems to have forgotten the Hillary equivalent here. If she didn't make promises in her $225,000 per speech speeches to Wall Street why won't she release the transcripts of her speeches? I'm sure this is just an honest oversight by the NYT editorial board, after all they have been incredibly fair to Trump up to this point on the editorial pages. Wake up liberals, the over the top double standard here is embarrassing, even in the lefts flagship paper.
1
Good campaigns release tax returns early in the campaign so any controversies seem stale by the election. We will not see the returns. Donald Ducks.
1
Trump had the gall to demand that President Obama show his birth certificate. I am 80 years old and I know of no other presidential candidate in my lifetime who faced such a question presented in such a brazen tone. Of course, it is a Constitutional imperative, but really not indicative of character or competence.
The tax return, in contrast, says quite a bit about character. Trump has made many bombastic claims, but now I demand "SHOW ME THE MONEY!" After all, our very lives are at stake with any president. I don't even need to see the details. I just want to know if his word can be trusted.
The tax return, in contrast, says quite a bit about character. Trump has made many bombastic claims, but now I demand "SHOW ME THE MONEY!" After all, our very lives are at stake with any president. I don't even need to see the details. I just want to know if his word can be trusted.
200
Perhaps Trump doesn't want us to find out that he's from the Leona Helmsley school of tax compliance and believes, as she did, "We don't pay taxes. Only the little people pay taxes."
He probably doesn't want his support among the "little people" to erode once he discloses his tax returns.
He probably doesn't want his support among the "little people" to erode once he discloses his tax returns.
6
Isn't it obvious? Trump has already bragged that he pays as little in tax as he can. Republicans love that.
Trump treats the tax laws as a game. He has told us he is always being audited. Why does the IRS audit him? Because Trump games the system. We know that he has claimed $300,000 in charitable deductions for giving someone a 1 year privilege to play golf at one of his golf courses. At the same time he claimed the golf course had minimal value for the purpose of paying property taxes.
We don't need to see his tax returns. But if you believe he is not a bigly, amazing tax cheat, you are just the kind of person he is looking for to sign up for classes at Trump University.
Trump treats the tax laws as a game. He has told us he is always being audited. Why does the IRS audit him? Because Trump games the system. We know that he has claimed $300,000 in charitable deductions for giving someone a 1 year privilege to play golf at one of his golf courses. At the same time he claimed the golf course had minimal value for the purpose of paying property taxes.
We don't need to see his tax returns. But if you believe he is not a bigly, amazing tax cheat, you are just the kind of person he is looking for to sign up for classes at Trump University.
5
I'm struck by the number of comments disagreeing with the content of the editorial and supporting Donald Trump's decision not to release his tax returns: 2. Out of 70. This is the lowest number of 'disagree' comments I have ever seen for any NYT article. Clearly, there is broad consensus on this issue -- Trump should release his tax returns as soon as possible.
2
Where are the hackers when we really need them. Somebody out there should be up to the task to get those returns out in the open.
3
What state does he claim as his domicile -- NY or Florida?
He'll cut his income, business, and estate taxes significantly if he claims Florida.
He'd have to spend 181 days in Florida to be eligible.
A perusal of his records at the Boards of Election at each state could quickly solve this question, which is pertinent when taxes are the issue.
He'll cut his income, business, and estate taxes significantly if he claims Florida.
He'd have to spend 181 days in Florida to be eligible.
A perusal of his records at the Boards of Election at each state could quickly solve this question, which is pertinent when taxes are the issue.
1
dt's tax papers will show
he pays virtually no taxes
he gives nothing to charity
his net worth isnt what he boasts
he wont show them bc he doesnt have to and he cant be forced
its another measure of th level of contempt he holds you in,
just like romney did
he pays virtually no taxes
he gives nothing to charity
his net worth isnt what he boasts
he wont show them bc he doesnt have to and he cant be forced
its another measure of th level of contempt he holds you in,
just like romney did
6
I think it's pretty obvious: When you are a narcissist and an egomaniac and have done many great things you want the whole world to see it, sort of the opposite of having something to hide. As such, Trump's refusal to release his tax returns makes no sense. Or does it?
I doubt it will happen. Mitt Romney preferred to lose the election than release more that the one, very sanitized return. Trump will do the same.
1
Major faults in ur editorial:(1)Whether DT releases tax returns or not makes not an iota of difference to his unconditional supporters. Compared to HRC's disgraceful record of dishonesty in office and out, this is a non issue.Conspiracy between HRC and DWS to fix nominating process is much more serious.(2)Have noticed in liberal media, including NYT, a reluctance to pay sufficient attention to candidacy of Jill Stein. She's the favorite of Sanders's aficionados, and fills the moral vacuum created by both major nominees.She may emerge as the dark horse in this election. By voting in Jill Klein, 2 goals r accomplished in this ground breaking election year:She would be the first Jew and first woman to be elected to the Presidency. She also shares many of the same ideas as Barack Obama re effect of the environment on people's lives. Stein would be a worthy successor to Sidney Wolfe and his mentor, Ralph Nader.But to "revenir aux moutons,"as Rabelais might say if he were here, the issue of DT's tax returns is irrelevant to his voting bloc, which assumes that every politician is crooked pending evidence to the contrary. DT has raised the political consciousness of the citizenry, a signal achievement."C'est deja beaucoup."One last thing:Amidst all the coverage given Atty. Khan, no one from media has asked him whether it is right to allow his son's death in combat to be used as a political football by HRC, who voted for the war in which his son perished.Genuine grief is private.
Where is your editorial board's demand that Hillary Clinton disclose the contents of her speeches for which she was paid hundreds of thousands of dollars? What did she sell in exchange for such huge sums of money? I am much more concerned about those disclosures than Donald Trump's tax returns.
1
C'mon, Obama. get the IRS to finish that audit by the end of the week. And if that doesn't work, it's time for a strategic leak.
2
Yesterday, in his interview with George Stephanopoulos, Trump added a new wrinkle to his excuse. When asked why he hasn't released those returns that are not under the "routine" audit he claims is going on (has anyone bothered to ask to see his notice of audit?), he said he could not release those because they are all "linked". He has claimed that he is always under audit, and now he is claiming all his returns are always linked. Conclusion: he has no intention of ever releasing any of his returns.
The other possibility to consider is that Trump is trying to use the American public's demand for his tax returns as a ploy to try and get the IRS to drop their audit against him (if there is an audit going on). The great negotiator.
The other possibility to consider is that Trump is trying to use the American public's demand for his tax returns as a ploy to try and get the IRS to drop their audit against him (if there is an audit going on). The great negotiator.
5
Why are anyone's tax returns anyone's business?
This ritual of tax disclosures should end. I'm fine without tax disclosures.
I'm not fine with a public servant deleting emails that shouldn't be deleted...that's actually called destruction of evidence and is a crime.
I'm not fine with Hillary leaving Americans stranded in Benghazi fighting for their lives. She and Obama just snoozed away... Probably because Stevens was going to blow the whistle on the Illegal Obama-Clinton arms transfers to ISIS.
Trumps taxes are his private issue. Mind your own damned business.
This ritual of tax disclosures should end. I'm fine without tax disclosures.
I'm not fine with a public servant deleting emails that shouldn't be deleted...that's actually called destruction of evidence and is a crime.
I'm not fine with Hillary leaving Americans stranded in Benghazi fighting for their lives. She and Obama just snoozed away... Probably because Stevens was going to blow the whistle on the Illegal Obama-Clinton arms transfers to ISIS.
Trumps taxes are his private issue. Mind your own damned business.
Follow the money trail to Russia.
6
Donald Trump is a total fraud and it does not take his tax returns to tell us that. He will never release them and his supporters do not care. The ones I know regard him highly for not paying taxes. The media that hangs onto every stupid word is not going to pressure him; they love the sensational and they love the Fraudster because he makes them money, the only thing of interest to them anyway.
2
Where are Julian Assange and Wikileaks, and Edward Snowden, when we really need them? A hacked Trump tax return would surely blow the whole election wide open! "And the Truth shall make you free!"
6
I applaud Hillary Clinton, for resisting the urge to call upon Russia to hack into the IRS and get Trump's tax returns, for which the press would compensate them hugely.
6
Just out of curiosity, I asked our tax accountant about Trump's claim that he cannot release his returns because they are being audited. His response: Poppycock! There is no law or regulation that prohibits the release of taxes under audit. And another question: Are ALL his tax returns from years ago being audited currently? Would take an awfully gullible populace to believe that.
8
I decided to cure my curiosity about law by going to law school and becoming a lawyer. :-) And by the way, there are no laws requiring Donald Trump to disclose his tax returns at this point during the election.
And I've got three words for you to ask your tax accountant about: Advice Of Counsel. Why is Trump paying exorbitant retainers to teams of lawyers to NOT follow their advice? If Trump was my client and I advised him not to release his tax returns, and he did anyway, he wouldn't be my client for long.
And I've got three words for you to ask your tax accountant about: Advice Of Counsel. Why is Trump paying exorbitant retainers to teams of lawyers to NOT follow their advice? If Trump was my client and I advised him not to release his tax returns, and he did anyway, he wouldn't be my client for long.
The media was all over this issue with Mitt Romney. Why not with Trump? My theory is that Trump keeps saying such amazingly offensive and/or ignorant things, like his insulting the family of the fallen hero, that there is just no air left for the tax story. But we already know that Trump is an obnoxious ignorant bully. The interesting and revealing stuff is in the the tax returns. We as citizens need to push for their release, as does the media. Come on, mainstream media, do you job!
8
Until he releases his taxes the media should shut down. No free press where every lunatic Tweet gets more coverage than an HRC policy proposal.
5
How would we know they are correct if he did?
1
This editorial is so soft, it is enabling DT.
Where is the outrage for transparency considering everything the person has done and said and those he claims to associate and admire who are not our friends in the world?
This "loser" MUST be brought down along with the other Republican operatives who support him.
Where is the outrage for transparency considering everything the person has done and said and those he claims to associate and admire who are not our friends in the world?
This "loser" MUST be brought down along with the other Republican operatives who support him.
6
Trump is the culmination of decades of the Republicans loudly holding Democrats to standards that they themselves do not meet, such as impeaching a President for lying about infidelities while lying about and committing such infidelities themselves (Gingrich, Bob Livingston, and Henry Hyde). Or demanding that Democrats release tax returns while balking themselves.
Or, lately, complaining about the parents of a slain warrior attacking Trump at the DNC when just a week earlier at the RNC the mother of a slain Benghazi contractor attacked Hillary Clinton.
But, if the press won't let up on Donald Trump about his tax returns, doesn't let him "tangent away" to other issues, and hounds him to distraction, he'll have no choice. And then we'll see what he's been hiding...and we'll learn, I'll bet, that he should LONG AGO have registered as a foreign agent.
Or, lately, complaining about the parents of a slain warrior attacking Trump at the DNC when just a week earlier at the RNC the mother of a slain Benghazi contractor attacked Hillary Clinton.
But, if the press won't let up on Donald Trump about his tax returns, doesn't let him "tangent away" to other issues, and hounds him to distraction, he'll have no choice. And then we'll see what he's been hiding...and we'll learn, I'll bet, that he should LONG AGO have registered as a foreign agent.
7
The lucky sperm known as The Donald has his beloved "poorly educated" cowardly males afraid that their country is being taken away from them unless they elect "Only I". His Tax Returns could be a plus for his campaign if they proved three things 1) His net worth us more than a figment of his imagination. 2) he is a charitable human being making real donations out of his pocket as opposed to his "pledging" and not coming across with actual dough. 3) He is in reality worth anywhere near the ten billion he claims. I laughed my behind off when I heard him explaining to a reporter how brands are valued and stated that his personal valuation of his name was seven(7) $7,000,000,000 dollars. AMERICA is a GREAT country built on the backs of hard working citizens not shysters. Release the returns.
7
This election has many new twist and vast ramification. If a Fraud-I-Ness scale were to be applied to all candidates equally, votes could evaluate the degree of outright scamming that that differentiate from the hope and aspirations and being deliberately conned.
Maybe Julian Assange can get hold of them and release them?
2
Assange likes Trump for some reason, so it's unlikely.
I believe that good defeats evil & I believe that by election day, the nation will cast Trump out with one of his favorite words--a disaster--& the people will do so by giving us a President, & a Congress that works.
3
I agree with the editorial, but Ms. Clinton's issues with her paid Wall Street speeches are of equal importance and should be disclosed as well.
And Trump got paid over a million to shill for a vitamin scam! Dig into That!
1
No National Security briefings until tax records of Trump and Manafort have been examined by the FBI. Given Manafort's work on behalf of Yanukovych the deposed Ukraine President and Putin's interests in Ukraine. Manafort cannot be permitted to have access to Trump and Putin. This is crazy.
Trump's returns must be vetted for any and all dealings with Manafort, Russia, and Ukraine before any briefings are provided to Trump.
Trump likes to attack Clinton over her email while he hired an operative for Putin as his campaign manager?
Trump's returns must be vetted for any and all dealings with Manafort, Russia, and Ukraine before any briefings are provided to Trump.
Trump likes to attack Clinton over her email while he hired an operative for Putin as his campaign manager?
187
We know who paid Hillary for speaking at their events - We know it wasn't just a couple of financials, but actually organizations from tech to auto sales, scrap recycling, dairy and deli owners, various rights groups, physicians, educators, - practically a group for any one of us, in fact. She's ours. And we know she paid at the highest rate.
We know from Erik Trump's foundation 990's that they pay Donald to use his golf resort for Invitational Tournaments building the Trump Brand -- it's not a Donation from Donald, but income to Donald.
We'd probably develop a clearer picture of who all the Trumps are from his returns.
We know from Erik Trump's foundation 990's that they pay Donald to use his golf resort for Invitational Tournaments building the Trump Brand -- it's not a Donation from Donald, but income to Donald.
We'd probably develop a clearer picture of who all the Trumps are from his returns.
5
The various lies and crazy statements Trump made this weekend were breathtaking.
It's time for whatever leaders are left in the Republican Party to begin saying publicly Trump should withdraw from the race because he is obviously unfit to be president - both in terms of his knowledge and understanding of our laws and current issues in the world (CRIMEA? UKRAINE? NATO ALLIANCES?), and his temperament. And finally, because of his refusal to conduct himself in any normal responsible way as a major party candidate for president (trolling private individuals, threatening donors who didn't endorse him with disclosing 'information,' insulting Ted Cruz' wife and father.......) including his refusal to release his tax returns.
If all of them - Romney, the Bushes, McCain, James Baker, Henry Kissinger and anyone else in that party who still possesses an ounce of responsibility and conscience - stepped forward and called for Trump to withdraw as the Republican nominee - he likely wouldn't do it but it would at least put it on the table.
There are 100 days until the election and Governor Pence could become the party nominee.
This is ghastly. Why can't these people try to force him out? Why won't they do this for the good of the country? How long is this fiasco going to continue?
It's time for whatever leaders are left in the Republican Party to begin saying publicly Trump should withdraw from the race because he is obviously unfit to be president - both in terms of his knowledge and understanding of our laws and current issues in the world (CRIMEA? UKRAINE? NATO ALLIANCES?), and his temperament. And finally, because of his refusal to conduct himself in any normal responsible way as a major party candidate for president (trolling private individuals, threatening donors who didn't endorse him with disclosing 'information,' insulting Ted Cruz' wife and father.......) including his refusal to release his tax returns.
If all of them - Romney, the Bushes, McCain, James Baker, Henry Kissinger and anyone else in that party who still possesses an ounce of responsibility and conscience - stepped forward and called for Trump to withdraw as the Republican nominee - he likely wouldn't do it but it would at least put it on the table.
There are 100 days until the election and Governor Pence could become the party nominee.
This is ghastly. Why can't these people try to force him out? Why won't they do this for the good of the country? How long is this fiasco going to continue?
5
How much is Trump borrowing from Russian bankers?
If so, huge conflict of interest.
And how does Trump place his business in a "blind trust" to avoid future conflicts of interest if we don't know the extent and character of his holdings?
Release the tax returns, Donald.
If so, huge conflict of interest.
And how does Trump place his business in a "blind trust" to avoid future conflicts of interest if we don't know the extent and character of his holdings?
Release the tax returns, Donald.
5
Yes, voters definitely deserve to know what is in Trump's IRS filings. They also deserve to know what Clinton said in her $350,000 talks to Goldman Sachs and other bankers.
27
What about the talks - and big bucks - Don the Ripper got paid to shill for that Vitamin scam?
2
How many ridiculous lies did Donald Trump tell this weekend? Was he tripping on acid?
Does Trump even file his tax returns? I'm at the point where almost any possibility could be true....
Does Trump even file his tax returns? I'm at the point where almost any possibility could be true....
2
They have no such right. They do have the right to be suspicious of him, and any other candidate on any issue. If Mr. Trump wants to dispel those suspicions, he can release his returns, just as if Mrs. Clinton wants to dispel suspicions about her relation with Goldman Sachs she can provide us with the transcripts of her speeches to them. Of course, I would be more likely to believe what it says on a tax return if I got it from the IRS than what someone tells me is a transcript of a speech provided by the person who gave the speech.
Still, NEVER TRUMP.
Still, NEVER TRUMP.
Trump has been proven to have lied time and time again, so why should we believe his claims about his wealth and his charitable contributions? Let's see those tax returns, Donald!
5
I suspect Trump will release his Tax returns just before the election and like everything else he has said and done it will be a complete lie but come too late to do anything about.
Time for Reed to say he saw Trumps tax return and say it shows Trump is broke!
Time for Reed to say he saw Trumps tax return and say it shows Trump is broke!
2
Releasing them would show how he has snookered all the little guys who do pay taxes. even then the fools would probably worship him....
2
NYT. You forgot to ask a simple question
I will ask that
Mr Trump, what do have to hide?
I will ask that
Mr Trump, what do have to hide?
5
At all campaign appearances by Mr. Trump, as many of us who can, must press him for full disclosure. All the better if you can do so from inside the hall.
2
It can start here on the New York Times. Assisted by those of us who regularly comment here on this page. Pressure must be applied by media and citizenry until he coughs up the returns.
We may all be surprised and find nothing untoward. However...
The naked truth must be told about Il Trumpolini and releasing his tax records is an essential part of that.
We may all be surprised and find nothing untoward. However...
The naked truth must be told about Il Trumpolini and releasing his tax records is an essential part of that.
3
"Donald Ducks Tax Disclosure" would have been a great headline. Maybe next time.
2
Mr Trump doesn't pay income tax.
The rest of you cover his share.
The rest of you cover his share.
1
The media should refuse to even interview Trump unless he releases his tax returns, they have to stop giving ground to Trump and stop bowing down and kissing his ring. There are returns from previous years that are not being audited that the could release, but he still refuses.
2
This is a real opportunity for the Media to do the right thing and in a united bi-partisan way, send the same message to Trump at every opportunity for all the reasons why it should be done.
This is a perfect example of how the Media can together do that which it always professes to be one of its core functions...to keep the public educated and involved and to help warn and protect the public from those that abuse their power or the trust put in them by others...
Here's just one way this could be done:
All printed and electronic articles on Trump should have the words in red
" Disclose your Tax" displayed at the top of the story.
ANY live face to face, telephone or radio Interview should have the question asked why he won't show his tax and if he says because of the Audit as his reason , this should be dismissed as untrue and Trump should be challenged further.
I hope the media can get together and agree something like this can/should be done.
Thank You.
This is a perfect example of how the Media can together do that which it always professes to be one of its core functions...to keep the public educated and involved and to help warn and protect the public from those that abuse their power or the trust put in them by others...
Here's just one way this could be done:
All printed and electronic articles on Trump should have the words in red
" Disclose your Tax" displayed at the top of the story.
ANY live face to face, telephone or radio Interview should have the question asked why he won't show his tax and if he says because of the Audit as his reason , this should be dismissed as untrue and Trump should be challenged further.
I hope the media can get together and agree something like this can/should be done.
Thank You.
I refer to Donald Trump as "the cockroach candidate." This is because to date, literally nothing that would otherwise destroy the political career (or really any professional career in business, medicine, law, teaching…) for anyone else has worked on him. If any other presidential candidate had refused to release their tax returns – – Hilary in particular – – their political opponents would be howling at the moon. Why has Trump gotten a free pass? Why does no one emphatically call him out on the fact that the IRS does not prohibit releasing returns under audit? Why does nobody call him out on releasing less recent returns that are finalized?
I saw Mitt Romney on CNN several months ago when he argued that when Donald Trump claims he can shoot somebody on Fifth Avenue and still retain voters, then his commitment to hiding his tax returns implies there must be something in them that is even worse than shooting somebody. I agree. Voters should be able to know what that is.
I saw Mitt Romney on CNN several months ago when he argued that when Donald Trump claims he can shoot somebody on Fifth Avenue and still retain voters, then his commitment to hiding his tax returns implies there must be something in them that is even worse than shooting somebody. I agree. Voters should be able to know what that is.
183
I'll never understand why we expect to see tax returns for this job. I don't need that info. And I'm a big fat democrat.
Further, what more info do we need about Trump?
Further, what more info do we need about Trump?
Maybe Hillary could solve the problem by announcing that she will reveal the contents of her very well-paid speeches to the Wall Street Big Boys if and when Donald reveals his tax returns? Apparently both candidates have something to hide. To encourage Hillary to take this step, perhaps we could see headlines that mimic today’s playful “Donald Trump Ducks”…such as “Hillary’s Hopes Hinge on Hiding Huge Hypocrisy”. The American people have a right to know all the relevant facts about both the candidates, not just The Donald. We already know that Trump will blindly and ignorantly drive us directly over a cliff, increase income inequality, and lead us to war. What we don’t know for sure yet is where Hillary plans to take us…maybe to the same place as The Donald, only by a more circuitous, more cerebral route? Her undisclosed speeches will help fill in the gaps of our comprehension.
23
This, from the guy smearing Obama and demanding proof of citizenship.
Assume he pays zero percent and get Congress to hold one of their hearings they have for everyone else.
Assume he pays zero percent and get Congress to hold one of their hearings they have for everyone else.
3
I am planning to vote for Trump. If he does not release few tax returns I will not vote for him. I think it's pretty simple, don't release them and he is assured to lose.
1
I wish what you say was really true, but with the Trump supporters that I have spoken with there's very little, if anything at all, that Trump would say or do that would prevent them from voting for him.
We need to know Trump's income story and we need to know what Hillary said to financial execs, as well as her motivation for conducting US governmental work on a home server. Both of these candidates have exceedingly low trust ratings.
The mere fact that Trump won't disclose his income tax forms is enough to discourage votes for him. I think Trump detractors are trying to find the silver bullet to topple him when, in reality, it already exists.
Similarly for Hillary. Her presentation to the financial industry probably contains embarrassing concessions to them and is of lesser consequence. The server episode is of greater consequence.
Our democracy is in an unpleasant place right now, and there doesn't seem to be any resolution to our political problems.
The mere fact that Trump won't disclose his income tax forms is enough to discourage votes for him. I think Trump detractors are trying to find the silver bullet to topple him when, in reality, it already exists.
Similarly for Hillary. Her presentation to the financial industry probably contains embarrassing concessions to them and is of lesser consequence. The server episode is of greater consequence.
Our democracy is in an unpleasant place right now, and there doesn't seem to be any resolution to our political problems.
Since the president does not legislate concessions to industry, on what planet would a former secretary of state, ex senator from the state of New York (with a huge number of citizens working in the financial industry) and potential candidate be so stupid as to stand up and propose legislation? That's what the GOP is for - low tax rates for the 1%, write offs of corporate jets and other perks, the 99% picking up the tab for military, infrastructure, the rest.
The Don must be afraid he'll land in prison. One can hope.
6
That is a concern, but the Donald is regularly audited, so no tax dodging.
All businesses, starting with Apple, minimize taxes in legal manners. That, most likely, is why the returns are not released.
Ms. Clinton's refusal to release talks to Goldman Sachs, on the other hand are not audited. Her continued refusal to release those, in spite of a call of the Editorial Board of the NY Times, suggest that they may contain promises for policies that the public disapproves of.
A pox on both.
All businesses, starting with Apple, minimize taxes in legal manners. That, most likely, is why the returns are not released.
Ms. Clinton's refusal to release talks to Goldman Sachs, on the other hand are not audited. Her continued refusal to release those, in spite of a call of the Editorial Board of the NY Times, suggest that they may contain promises for policies that the public disapproves of.
A pox on both.
4
Nice try at equivalence, but a major fail. Trump is hiding things, probably his russian connection
1
You're really in denial about Trump, aren't you? First you claim his refusal to release tax returns doesn't mean a thing, because of course he would always pay his taxes and be aboveboard about everything. Despite being sued over 3,500 times for refusing to pay his workers.
Then you claim that speeches Ms. Clinton gave to Goldman Sachs would promise policies we would all hate. Based on nothing at all.
Try to get over your fawning approval of that arrogant, ignorant fascist, and see through his lies. Really try, a lot is riding on it.
Then you claim that speeches Ms. Clinton gave to Goldman Sachs would promise policies we would all hate. Based on nothing at all.
Try to get over your fawning approval of that arrogant, ignorant fascist, and see through his lies. Really try, a lot is riding on it.
Don't you think that if there were beans to spill from those Goldman Sachs talks that at least one anti Hillary soul would have done so?
1
The guy says he is worth billions. I guess it's all in real estate. Anyone in this country who buys a house for $200,000 and sells it for $400,000 is subject to a 200 grand capital gains tax. Minus improvements or if the money is reinvested. Donny probably depreciates real estate in Manhattan, and takes losses. The government probably owes him money. The only things Huge about the man are his ego and his big mouth.
8
That is far from logical. He works in the private sector. Romney, Clinton, Obama, etc all were federal government employees. They should disclose their earnings as they were being po'd by tax dollars at the time. This is a non-issue.
It is only logical to conclude that since Trump adamantly refuses to release his tax returns that there is something in them that would seriously damage his candidacy and/or would be highly embarrassing.
I can see no other reasonable explanation. His excuse that he cannot release them because they are being audited has been shown to be completely bogus.
Trump advocates that the Russians hack Hillary Clinton's e-mails and release them. Maybe he should be concerned that someone might do the same thing to him and then make his tax returns public.
I can see no other reasonable explanation. His excuse that he cannot release them because they are being audited has been shown to be completely bogus.
Trump advocates that the Russians hack Hillary Clinton's e-mails and release them. Maybe he should be concerned that someone might do the same thing to him and then make his tax returns public.
14
A narcissistic sense of entitlement drives everything this man does. Since he believes himself to be God incarnate, in his mind he is not held to the same dictates as mere mortals. I can't help but dream of divine intervention to spare us from a Trump presidency. At least he might realize that the Almighty really is greater than even the Donald.
8
Never before has anyone with such varied and extensive business dealings around the world been nominated for such high office. Much more than his tax returns, a full accounting of his international business interests would show voters the actual and potential conflicts of interest that a Trump presidency would likely encounter.
253
Before the election or after, win or lose, it's unlikely that Trump will ever release his returns, especially if they cast him in a bad light. If the Khan affair shows nothing else, it shows he's impervious to pressure. Donald Trump doesn't shame. Fair play, conventions, and rules don't apply to him; they're for politically correct chumps.
The only way we're ever going to see these tax returns is if they are leaked or hacked. But isn't the tax return raw data available from other sources like business partners and other business filings? Is the Trump organization's security so ironclad that all our crack investigative reporters can't access more financial data than what is in publicly released tax returns from the 70s and 80s?
The only way we're ever going to see these tax returns is if they are leaked or hacked. But isn't the tax return raw data available from other sources like business partners and other business filings? Is the Trump organization's security so ironclad that all our crack investigative reporters can't access more financial data than what is in publicly released tax returns from the 70s and 80s?
145
The American public have come to expect candidates for President to release their recent tax returns - not because they are required by law to do so - but, because we expect candidates to exhibit superior judgment and hold themselves to the highest standards. . . and not just do the minimum required by law.
In a court of law, a parties' deliberate withholding or destruction of relevant evidence (what could be more relevant than tax returns in understanding the very soul of a self-professed businessman?) would often lead a court to impose negative inferences about the material withheld or destroyed. The court of public opinion - the citizens of the United States - should do the same in this instance - and make negative inferences about the information being withheld by Mr. Trump.
Among the important negative inferences we should draw from Mr. Trump's failure to release his full tax returns, none is more important than the business relationships which will be exposed by release of the tax information. The tax returns will tell the American people who Mr. Trump is associated with in business. Currently, we can only guess that it includes many Russian businessmen and others of an ilk which will not portray Mr. Trump in a favorable light. And THAT is what we can infer. And it should concern all Americans more than whatever meager taxes he actually paid.
In a court of law, a parties' deliberate withholding or destruction of relevant evidence (what could be more relevant than tax returns in understanding the very soul of a self-professed businessman?) would often lead a court to impose negative inferences about the material withheld or destroyed. The court of public opinion - the citizens of the United States - should do the same in this instance - and make negative inferences about the information being withheld by Mr. Trump.
Among the important negative inferences we should draw from Mr. Trump's failure to release his full tax returns, none is more important than the business relationships which will be exposed by release of the tax information. The tax returns will tell the American people who Mr. Trump is associated with in business. Currently, we can only guess that it includes many Russian businessmen and others of an ilk which will not portray Mr. Trump in a favorable light. And THAT is what we can infer. And it should concern all Americans more than whatever meager taxes he actually paid.
5
If *The Donald's* tax returns had nothing to show, he'd be the first to show them. We'd be tired of his repeat message of, "See, I really am rich, yugely rich. Believe me, really rich...".
So we will never see them, because inside these returns we would be better able to estimate his real net worth, his lack of charitable giving, his deep ties to questionable investors and lendors (especially now with the raised awareness around his Putin bromance), his real investments, the flow of funds (~$60mm made in his Palm Springs house sold to a Russian oligarch. How many more Condo and property sales - and potential for money laundering - go through similar pro-Putin Russians?).
Basically we'd find out - not too surprisingly - that he isn't the person he promotes. The curtain would be be pulled back on the self proclaimed Great and Mighty One...
Please don't ignore the real man behind the curtain, there's more there - there...and less there - there, so to speak...
So we will never see them, because inside these returns we would be better able to estimate his real net worth, his lack of charitable giving, his deep ties to questionable investors and lendors (especially now with the raised awareness around his Putin bromance), his real investments, the flow of funds (~$60mm made in his Palm Springs house sold to a Russian oligarch. How many more Condo and property sales - and potential for money laundering - go through similar pro-Putin Russians?).
Basically we'd find out - not too surprisingly - that he isn't the person he promotes. The curtain would be be pulled back on the self proclaimed Great and Mighty One...
Please don't ignore the real man behind the curtain, there's more there - there...and less there - there, so to speak...
9
It is folly to think that "As the campaign rolls toward the fall, pressure will grow on Mr. Trump to be far more transparent than he has been," because that pressure can come only from the Republican Party. That's clearly not going to happen.
5
In 2008 Donald Trump Jr. said, in an interview, that American banks had refused to provide the financing that their company needed so they turned to Russian sources. I wonder how much of their financing remains Russia based and whether that has anything to do with hiring Paul Manafort, changing policy in the platform as regards Ukraine, and praising Putin.
13
Until he renounced it, Donald received the "STAR" tax credit on his New York City condominium - this is available only to those having an adjusted gross income (not counting retirement income) of $500,000 or less. So we have a pretty good idea of the maximum amount shown on the return.
Second, "entertainers" get certain tax breaks. Perhaps the return shows that as his occupation?
Finally, why not show us the latest return (even if years old) that has finished the audit process?
Second, "entertainers" get certain tax breaks. Perhaps the return shows that as his occupation?
Finally, why not show us the latest return (even if years old) that has finished the audit process?
5
Nice editorial but the tax return will not be satisfying if it is ever released.
If you want to learn anything, start asking for all the entity returns (which also don’t shed a whole lot of light where you want it). They are the companies whose results flow into his return. But since he is likely not the sole owner, others’ privacy will prevail and we will never really know what we think we are entitled to know.
If you want to learn anything, start asking for all the entity returns (which also don’t shed a whole lot of light where you want it). They are the companies whose results flow into his return. But since he is likely not the sole owner, others’ privacy will prevail and we will never really know what we think we are entitled to know.
1
Trump's tax return is no one business. The Socialistic Democratic Party just wants to see his worth and deductions. And by the way, how much did the Clinton's give to charity in 2015 with the millions they received from speeches?
The reason we know how much Clinton earned from speeches is because she released her tax returns. All of them
Why would you want a president that doesn't pay his fair share? Taxes make for a civil society
Paying taxes is patriotic
Why would you want a president that doesn't pay his fair share? Taxes make for a civil society
Paying taxes is patriotic
1
Your attempt to deflect the criticism is ludicrous and delusional. His tax returns are our business because they prove he is lying about various things, and a tax dodger.
1
Over and over, deflection, Janis. The article is about tax returns. If this is the best you can do, too bad. The tax returns will take him down, released or unreleased.
1
Trump's tax returns are part of his resume in applying for the job of most powerful person on earth, the presidency of the United States. He says he'll get them to us, as soon as that audit is over. And he adds it may take till after the election. Yeah, right.
Isn't it amazing that supporters of this piece of human debris believe that hogwash? They want to know every possibly sordid detail about Hillary, and then some, probably even what brand of toothpaste she uses, but yet these yokels remain flippant about Trump's refusal, and make no mistake it is a refusal, because as the IRS noted there is no law that stops Trump from releasing his tax returns. That, folks, is the profile of rabid Trump supporters in a nutshell, and I do mean nut shell. Only the most naive gullible goober would swallow Trump's lies hook line and sinker. And they wonder why which each passing election they are called the Stupid Party. After November 8th, there will be no doubt. They'll be receiving the Lifetime Achievement award.
DD
Manhattan
Isn't it amazing that supporters of this piece of human debris believe that hogwash? They want to know every possibly sordid detail about Hillary, and then some, probably even what brand of toothpaste she uses, but yet these yokels remain flippant about Trump's refusal, and make no mistake it is a refusal, because as the IRS noted there is no law that stops Trump from releasing his tax returns. That, folks, is the profile of rabid Trump supporters in a nutshell, and I do mean nut shell. Only the most naive gullible goober would swallow Trump's lies hook line and sinker. And they wonder why which each passing election they are called the Stupid Party. After November 8th, there will be no doubt. They'll be receiving the Lifetime Achievement award.
DD
Manhattan
13
While we don't know (yet) the extent of Trump's financial and political connections to the totalitarian regime in Russia and it's neighbors, there is already a record that should send most self-respecting Republicans into deep alarm. Trump's campaign manager is deeply connected to Russian political and financial interests. Trump's wife's family are communist elites. Trump himself has expressed admiration for Russian President Putin, put in question our support for NATO members threatened by Russia, accepted political help from Russian agents cyber-spying on the Democratic Party and (sarcastically?) asked for more illegal help from Russia. Where are the real Republicans?
7
If you have read Peter Schweizer's editorial in the WSJ you would know that Hillary has her own Russia problems. Of course we don't hear about them as much as Trumps Taxes. Look up Skolkova. It's interesting that 60% of the partners in this deal which included many Russians donated to the Clinton Foundation. Schweizer concludes: "Even if it could be proven that these tens of millions of dollars in Clinton Foundation donations by Skolkovo’s key partners played no role in the Clinton State Department’s missing or ignoring obvious red flags about the Russian enterprise, the perception would still be problematic. (Neither the Clinton campaign nor the Clinton Foundation responded to requests for comment.) What is known is that the State Department recruited and facilitated the commitment of billions of American dollars in the creation of a Russian “Silicon Valley” whose technological innovations include Russian hypersonic cruise-missile engines, radar surveillance equipment, and vehicles capable of delivering airborne Russian troops."
http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2016-08-01/hillary’s-latest-headache
https://www.google.com/amp/www.wsj.com/amp/articles/the-clinton-foundati...
http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2016-08-01/hillary’s-latest-headache
https://www.google.com/amp/www.wsj.com/amp/articles/the-clinton-foundati...
Russian oligarchs have been widely reported to be heavily invested in US real estate, and for US national security it is crucial that we know to what degree Trump's real estate empire depends on Russian money. He who pays the piper calls the tune.
7
Failing public disclosure of his taxes, along with public outcry over Trumps Russia/Putin favoritism, I hope the CIA has hacked into Trump's tax files and is diligently pursuing them wherever they lead.
At a minimum, we should legally mandate that candidates for president undergo an FBI/CIA combing of their tax files, together with their past business deals, lawsuits, relationships and so on.
Constitutional Amendment? I'd love to see it! As a requirement before declaring their candidacy for president. Same for VP picks.
Can we please have a little sanity to this process?
At a minimum, we should legally mandate that candidates for president undergo an FBI/CIA combing of their tax files, together with their past business deals, lawsuits, relationships and so on.
Constitutional Amendment? I'd love to see it! As a requirement before declaring their candidacy for president. Same for VP picks.
Can we please have a little sanity to this process?
8
No tax returns, no intelligence briefings. Neither is required by law. A just quid pro quo our Honest Donald surely can understand. He gets to deceive the American public, we get to protect our national secrets.
6
The press needs to do a much better job holding Donald Trump accountable for skirting the expectation he release his tax returns.
He is repeatedly allowed to dodge the issue even though it is obvious he is playing it out past the election.
Simply reporting his refusal is not enough.
He is repeatedly allowed to dodge the issue even though it is obvious he is playing it out past the election.
Simply reporting his refusal is not enough.
9
One could easily conclude that he is insolvent, that his debts far exceed the true value of his assets, and that his presidential run is his last chance for enough fame to continue the "brand".
1
Trump has not devoted any of his 70 years to public service, thus he has not actually taken a position on any policy issue. Rather he touts his "business acumen" as his credential to be elected to the Presidency.
In order to measure the validity of his "business acumen" credential, the American voters have a right to examine his business records. This means he must release his Federal tax returns. What exactly is he hiding in his Federal tax returns? He owes millions of dollars to foreign banks? Russian Oligarchs? Putin? He has off shore bank accounts? He has a negative net worth?
Trump's continuing refusal to release his Federal Tax returns should be the HUGE RED FLAG for all American voters. If they are fully compliant with the IRS tax code, he has nothing to fear. He will be able to state if there are areas where he received special exemptions, or tax breaks, as President he can promote changes in the code to help working citizens.
His bombast can not hide his probable shady business practices.
In order to measure the validity of his "business acumen" credential, the American voters have a right to examine his business records. This means he must release his Federal tax returns. What exactly is he hiding in his Federal tax returns? He owes millions of dollars to foreign banks? Russian Oligarchs? Putin? He has off shore bank accounts? He has a negative net worth?
Trump's continuing refusal to release his Federal Tax returns should be the HUGE RED FLAG for all American voters. If they are fully compliant with the IRS tax code, he has nothing to fear. He will be able to state if there are areas where he received special exemptions, or tax breaks, as President he can promote changes in the code to help working citizens.
His bombast can not hide his probable shady business practices.
8
First, I would like to say he is an idiot. Next, a liar, and last, an embarrassment to the GOP.
I am a teacher. I would really like to see him on the game show, "Are you Smarter than a Fifth Grader?" I guarantee they know more about foreign affairs than Mr. Trump.
I am a teacher. I would really like to see him on the game show, "Are you Smarter than a Fifth Grader?" I guarantee they know more about foreign affairs than Mr. Trump.
Mr. Trump is reluctant to release his tax returns because he intends to dispute the results of the audit, whatever they are. He will have his accountants and attorneys tie up the process for years, thereby avoiding a legitimate tax bill and revealing his actual net worth.
4
Taxes make for a civil and functioning society.
Paying taxes is patriotic.
How will Trump invest in America to make her great by lowering taxes which means lowering revenue?
As a private company we have no idea how successful Trump really is. His company does not publish public records...who really knows what he owns and who invests in his companies..
Paying taxes is patriotic.
How will Trump invest in America to make her great by lowering taxes which means lowering revenue?
As a private company we have no idea how successful Trump really is. His company does not publish public records...who really knows what he owns and who invests in his companies..
5
With the Trump federal tax disclosure, taxpayers all over the world would get a free lesson on how to con the federal, state, and local governments. Simultaneously, Mr. and Mrs. Khan's statement to Donald Trump "You have sacrificed nothing and no one" for the U.S, would be proved once again.
7
Simple solution to this kind of dodging by candidates going forward, make it mandatory that if you run for the presidency, tax returns must be released by law.
Calling for Trump to release his returns due to a "moral" obligation is laughable as Trump has proven with his latest whiny "I've been viciously attacked" by a Gold Star mother shows beyond a doubt that he is bereft of morals and decency in any form.
Calling for Trump to release his returns due to a "moral" obligation is laughable as Trump has proven with his latest whiny "I've been viciously attacked" by a Gold Star mother shows beyond a doubt that he is bereft of morals and decency in any form.
7
Trump knows better than to give the almighty press more entrails to read. He's stomped on every other "tradition" and shown what he thinks of political correctness. Why should this be any different ?
The press and the Democratic party need to stop preaching to the choir and start going after Trump with the kind of raw aggressiveness that is needed, rather than acting like a bunch of complacent priests of the official political scripture.
The press and the Democratic party need to stop preaching to the choir and start going after Trump with the kind of raw aggressiveness that is needed, rather than acting like a bunch of complacent priests of the official political scripture.
3
I'm convinced that Trump's tax returns would show that he's not as rich as he says he is, he pays little or nothing in taxes, and makes very few charitable contributions.
More transparency would be nice, even if it's embarrassing. Release Trump's tax returns, Clinton's Wall Street speeches, and everybody's e-mails. Maybe someone can hack the IRS and give Trump's tax returns to WikiLeaks.
More transparency would be nice, even if it's embarrassing. Release Trump's tax returns, Clinton's Wall Street speeches, and everybody's e-mails. Maybe someone can hack the IRS and give Trump's tax returns to WikiLeaks.
8
I cannot begin to fathom why the press, the Dems, interviewers or the voters are not applying loud and constant pressure on Trump to release his returns. It's imperative that his refusal to do so be made a key feature of this election. A candidate who controls his vicious and lie-laced message via his own private spin machine, aka Twitter, must be held accountable in the public realm. Time to put him on the defensive, big time!
8
When will Hillary Clinton release the content of her many speeches to Wall Street banks and corporations for which she was paid an average of $200k, and which "earned" her tens of millions of dollars? And when will Hillary likewise explain how she was able to "earn" $100,000 on a one year $1000 investment in cattle futures while her husband was the governor of Arkansas? And when will The Times editorial page do an expose on these questions? The answer to all of these questions is, of course, is never.
Getting oneself audited for 15 years is prima fascia evidence one must have had very serious irregularities in their tax returns in the past, possibly even criminal. Trumps tax conduct, by his own words, is just the behavior that the IRS looks for in whom to audit. His refusal to disclose is undoubtedly because of the damning things they contain. So far, unbelievably, the Press seems to have given him a pass for his ridiculous reason and not raised this as the very serious issue it is. I hope this begins that critically important process.
3
I have no sympathy for that hypocrite Trump, but we should acknowledge that no where on an income tax return is an accounting of a filer's wealth. Income and deductible expenses yes, but a person could buy a billion dollars in gold, smelt it into a throne, and there'd be nothing about it on an income tax return.
2
The President should issue an Executive Order requiring the IRS to release the tax returns of the major party candidates for President and Vice-President. Such an Order would clearly be in the national interest.
2
It may be in the national interest but it probably would not be legal if the tax law clearly says returns are private. The president cannot - and should not be able to - just set aside laws by fiat, however much he and some would like. Congress is the only body that can change that, which is a god thing. How about an executive order saying a candidate's health records were now public even though the law says medical records are private? Same thing - it's the wrong way to do things!
1
In view of the things he's said and done even if Trump's tax returns revealed him to be the billionaire he claims he is, not to mention a decent taxpaying and upstanding citizen in every other respect, would that him voting for him any less of a colossal and totally unacceptable risk?
5
Paying one's fair share of taxes is a civic duty and in many ways also a sacrifice, but a sacrifice that does much good and supports programs that offer real relief to those most in need. Trump talks of making sacrifices like working hard (don't most of us?) that are on par with having lost a son in a war. Shame on him. That Trump has an effective tax rate that is likely much lower than most of his supporters, most of Clinton's too, is another fine example of the sort of sacrifice he is NOT willing to make for his country, for its citizenry. He is unfit to be our President.
6
I would think that Republicans have a special interest in looking behind the curtain of Mr.Trump's financial doings, if not to disclose the magnificence of his economic wizardry to at least understand how the master does it.
After all, Republicans often tout themselves the party of fiscal sanity so one would believe any Republican worth his salt would DEMAND to see not only Mr. Trump's personal returns but the books of the Trump organization, the pyramid of capitalistic brilliance so proudly symbolized by that shiny jumbo jet with the candidate's name on it.
There can be only one conclusion a thoughtful person might draw from his reticence: he is hiding a set of facts in his ta returns that undermine his fiction of being a Master of the Deal. If they did otherwise, does anyone doubt for a moment that he would be flogging us with them as proof of his "incredible" economic prowess?
After all, Republicans often tout themselves the party of fiscal sanity so one would believe any Republican worth his salt would DEMAND to see not only Mr. Trump's personal returns but the books of the Trump organization, the pyramid of capitalistic brilliance so proudly symbolized by that shiny jumbo jet with the candidate's name on it.
There can be only one conclusion a thoughtful person might draw from his reticence: he is hiding a set of facts in his ta returns that undermine his fiction of being a Master of the Deal. If they did otherwise, does anyone doubt for a moment that he would be flogging us with them as proof of his "incredible" economic prowess?
6
Trump also hasn't clearly stated exactly how he intends to separate himself from all of his business interests (if elected). There is no law that directly says he has to, though not doing so will likely open him up to eventual charges of using the office for personal gain. We already know he is a serial liar and demagogue, both on a scale seldom seen before. He thinks that rules and social norms don't apply to him. Trump is all too used to making his own rules, in order to get his way. That very quality seems to be what attracts people to him. Throughout human history, this narcissistic siren song has drawn the masses towards every dictator. "Only I can solve your problems" is not seen as a warning, only a sign of strength. History's dictators have all thought themselves above the law. Trump's true disdain for authority doesn't even let him acknowledge the role of congress while making his wild policy declarations. He doesn't care if a press he continuously derides demands the release of his tax returns. He doesn't care if you demand it either. Mr. Trump is an egocentric island upon himself, a dangerous one at that.
8
Neither has Hillary - or Bill who would no doubt be intimately involved in many official areas - clearly said how they would separate themselves from the Clinton Foundation, its donors and all of that money and influence on policy and decisions. And how would we verify it even they said it?
1
How can a man who wishes to be president refuse to show the voters who he is and what he does? Consider that most NYS employees that earn over $91,000/year must make a detailed annual disclosure of their assets and income. Other states have similar requirements. As Tim Kaine said, it's not enough to just say "believe me."
From this candidate, the voters are entitled to even more than the standard release of one year of personal tax returns. Trump should disclose the returns for all entities controlled by him and by all members of his immediate family. His dependence on Russian investment money and Russian clients combined with his praise for Putin strongly suggests a conflict of interest.
From this candidate, the voters are entitled to even more than the standard release of one year of personal tax returns. Trump should disclose the returns for all entities controlled by him and by all members of his immediate family. His dependence on Russian investment money and Russian clients combined with his praise for Putin strongly suggests a conflict of interest.
8
Here's the next question for Mr. Trump:
"Mr. Trump, do you think that Secretary Clinton should release the transcripts from her speeches and you should release your tax records, since a majority of Americans have expressed great interest in both?"
"Mr. Trump, do you think that Secretary Clinton should release the transcripts from her speeches and you should release your tax records, since a majority of Americans have expressed great interest in both?"
10
False equivalency. First Clinton's speeches to Goldman were a matter that anyone could have recorded on their cell phone, made notes about. While private, they were not secret. Having been to these paid speeches to conventions where people like Colin Power, Madeline Albright, etc. speak, they are usually boring..."you people are great"...no real substance.
To insinuate some secret information got reveled by Clinton is to fuel the whole conspiracy game the right wing thrives upon. However keeping your tax return secret until forced to reveal it is in a whole other realm, esp. when Clinton has released hers.
To insinuate some secret information got reveled by Clinton is to fuel the whole conspiracy game the right wing thrives upon. However keeping your tax return secret until forced to reveal it is in a whole other realm, esp. when Clinton has released hers.
She's released 8 years of tax returns, why don't we get him to match that amount of disclosure first, before asking for more. I'm sure we'll have questions for both of them after we get an equal chance to see their sources of income.
Hillary Clinton gave 51 speech transcripts to Wall Street banks and other major business interests in 2014 and 2015 in exchange for $11 million added to her personal wealth (making her one of the one percenters like Mr. Trump).
The New York Times wrote a well-reasoned editorial on Feb. 26 demanding that she release the speech transcripts to the American electorate and it was appropriately entitled "Mrs. Clinton, Show Voters Those Transcripts."
Mrs. Clinton has "stonewalled" the New York Times on this issue ever since. And, she also "stonewalled" her opponent Senator Bernie Sanders on this issue as he repeatedly called for her to release the transcripts of these "Shakespearean" speeches.
So, the silence is actually twice as deafening and it is only getting louder each and every day as the American electorate awaits the correct response from both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.
Let us all hold our collective breaths and hope for the best!
The New York Times wrote a well-reasoned editorial on Feb. 26 demanding that she release the speech transcripts to the American electorate and it was appropriately entitled "Mrs. Clinton, Show Voters Those Transcripts."
Mrs. Clinton has "stonewalled" the New York Times on this issue ever since. And, she also "stonewalled" her opponent Senator Bernie Sanders on this issue as he repeatedly called for her to release the transcripts of these "Shakespearean" speeches.
So, the silence is actually twice as deafening and it is only getting louder each and every day as the American electorate awaits the correct response from both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.
Let us all hold our collective breaths and hope for the best!
2
I think we all deserve to know what money from Russia went into his company, how much influence Putin has paid for and how much of our security he has sold to Russia. We know that several years he has paid no tax at all. Having an audit does not mean he cannot release what he has filed, if the audit confirms that he has manipulated his taxes they will come after him one way or another.
But this is not about Donald Trump and his many problems with the law being suit by more than 3,500 people, this is about what we as Voters deserve to know about a guy who want our votes for the highest office and which every Presidential candidate has honored. We know that Trump says one thing today and another tomorrow, that his word has no value and that his deeds are murky and sometimes fraud.
He cannot say anything but open his tax returns and show us that there was no quid for pro, that he has not sold our country to the Russians.
But this is not about Donald Trump and his many problems with the law being suit by more than 3,500 people, this is about what we as Voters deserve to know about a guy who want our votes for the highest office and which every Presidential candidate has honored. We know that Trump says one thing today and another tomorrow, that his word has no value and that his deeds are murky and sometimes fraud.
He cannot say anything but open his tax returns and show us that there was no quid for pro, that he has not sold our country to the Russians.
27
Agreed.
But - I'd add - the same goes for Clinton:
http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2016-08-01/hillary%E2%80%99s-latest-headac...
But - I'd add - the same goes for Clinton:
http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2016-08-01/hillary%E2%80%99s-latest-headac...
. We know that Trump says one thing today and another tomorrow, that his word has no value and that his deeds are murky and sometimes fraud.
you just described th perfect politician
you just described th perfect politician
Pithy tweets? Someone mispronouncing the more accurate adjective would come a lot closer to the truth. Paul Krugman's column today deals with the more consequential question surrounding how people who know better within the Republican party choose party over country.
The more basic puzzler for me is "why". Why did Dangerously Deceitful Donald do it? My best thinking-- at first, he was only seeking some free monetizable publicity. But when he first sniffed that if could actually work, the allure of becoming the Don of all Cons was too great to pass up. We are all driven to maximize the outcomes that our talents and circumstances make available. He can't actually do complex thing, but he can con. He does it because he is good at it, and this is his chance, to become the Omni-con.
Critical thinking is the antidote for the Omni-con. Critical thinking knows the difference between declarative opinion and supportable evidence. Way too many people young and old, glued to their soaps, Dr. Oz, Dr. Phil, NASCAR, Grand Theft Auto, You Tube, Facebook, and Pokemon-- lack critical thinking. That's the price of ignorance. Benjamin Franklin put it, "If you think a good education costs to much, consider the cost of Donald Trump." Well, he didn't say that, but you get the point. Sentient life must do two things: 1 Whatever it takes to stop Trump (smart moves not smug lectures), and 2 Fix the educational system.
The more basic puzzler for me is "why". Why did Dangerously Deceitful Donald do it? My best thinking-- at first, he was only seeking some free monetizable publicity. But when he first sniffed that if could actually work, the allure of becoming the Don of all Cons was too great to pass up. We are all driven to maximize the outcomes that our talents and circumstances make available. He can't actually do complex thing, but he can con. He does it because he is good at it, and this is his chance, to become the Omni-con.
Critical thinking is the antidote for the Omni-con. Critical thinking knows the difference between declarative opinion and supportable evidence. Way too many people young and old, glued to their soaps, Dr. Oz, Dr. Phil, NASCAR, Grand Theft Auto, You Tube, Facebook, and Pokemon-- lack critical thinking. That's the price of ignorance. Benjamin Franklin put it, "If you think a good education costs to much, consider the cost of Donald Trump." Well, he didn't say that, but you get the point. Sentient life must do two things: 1 Whatever it takes to stop Trump (smart moves not smug lectures), and 2 Fix the educational system.
25
Every politician should be required to release his or her tax returns as soon as he or she declares candidacy for any race. Then, once in office, he or she should release each year's tax returns every year while in office. This should be law.
12
Trump's tax returns will demonstrate what a poor businessman he really is, how little money he really has, how much money he owes to questionable sources, how little money he donates, and how little he pays in taxes.
Now he's hemming and hawing over the debate schedule because Donald Trump knows nothing, could not find Oklahoma on a map, and will be eaten alive in a debate with Hillary. And he knows it. He's all bluff and bluster.
I have lost respect for many of my friends and colleagues over their support for Trump in this election cycle. I've lost friends over it. I find it unfathomable that anyone could vote for this wretch.
Now he's hemming and hawing over the debate schedule because Donald Trump knows nothing, could not find Oklahoma on a map, and will be eaten alive in a debate with Hillary. And he knows it. He's all bluff and bluster.
I have lost respect for many of my friends and colleagues over their support for Trump in this election cycle. I've lost friends over it. I find it unfathomable that anyone could vote for this wretch.
84
The reason that Trump won't release his returns is that he declares less than $500,000 per year in net income on $360 million in revenue. It is also why he is being audited. NY State recently sent a list of people eligible for the STAR exemption to NY City and Trump was on it. STAR is a property tax relief program in NY State for people that earn under $500,000. Trump has had it since 2009. He was removed briefly because he didn't put his SS# on the form but he had it reinstated in 2014. All for $1200 per year in property tax reductions. If Mitt Romney was paying 13% per year in taxes, then Trump is paying less than 1/2%. Further, taxpayers are paying for him to fly to his golf courses on his jet, which is surely one of his deductions. Some of that may be legitimate if he has business at one of his clubs, but not all of it. He is gaming the system right and left and doesn't want that to come to light. If it is a clerical error, then it was intentional as they re-added the exemption 2 years ago and that is tax fraud.
http://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/2016/07/22/is-trump-earning-less-tha...
http://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/2016/07/22/is-trump-earning-less-tha...
45
Remarkable article.
If I worked for Hillary Clinton I would flood the airways with ads asking why Donald Trump is so desperate to get that $304 from a middle class tax deduction.
If I worked for Hillary Clinton I would flood the airways with ads asking why Donald Trump is so desperate to get that $304 from a middle class tax deduction.
3
most informative
thx
thx
1. There is a statute of limitations for audits. Donald could release returns from before current audit.
2. He has said on separate occasions that he is under a 14 year regular audit. There is nothing normal or regular about an audit lasting 14 years.
3. He said he gets audited every year. That's not normal either
4. He could release some of the correspondence from IRS confirming he is under audit.
5. He could release returns to several independent CPAs who could review and report
He has many options. Anyone who believes his blanket statement of refusal is foolish
2. He has said on separate occasions that he is under a 14 year regular audit. There is nothing normal or regular about an audit lasting 14 years.
3. He said he gets audited every year. That's not normal either
4. He could release some of the correspondence from IRS confirming he is under audit.
5. He could release returns to several independent CPAs who could review and report
He has many options. Anyone who believes his blanket statement of refusal is foolish
36
If I advised Donald Trump as his lawyer not to release his taxes, and he did it anyway, he wouldn't be my client. Here in Washington DC, there's a reason we take an exam and charge $300 an hour, and its not so a client can do what the media tells him.
Also illustrative and helpful to the electorate would be an in-depth analysis of just how the Clintons went from allegedly being flat broke upon leaving the White House to now being comfortably ensconced in the 1%. Is it all just speech income or are there other donation and gifts from wealthy donors - domestic or foreign - likely given in at least the hopes of some return? Trumps possible connections to Russia or Saudis are valid questions, and we should also know similar connections to the Foundation and the murky shifting of revenue between it and its namesakes.
Trouble is each side claims its just politics and that their candidate has "nothing to hide". The truth likely lies in between.
Trouble is each side claims its just politics and that their candidate has "nothing to hide". The truth likely lies in between.
2
Have you gone to the Clinton foundation web site and looked for
clues that would then be confirmable or not by looking at the IRS filings? Or
are you just asking questions to demonstrate neutrality? Many of your
questions could probably be answered by looking over her returns. Do you
have particular examples of "murky shiftings" or is that a Faux News meme
that got stuck in the brain? If you do not detect an asymmetry in
transparency between Clinton and il duce then you have not been
trying very hard to answer your questions and find "the truth". With Clinton
it should be possible to get much closer to it. With il duce
it is simply not possible given the purposeful lack of transparency and the complete contempt for voters that this encodes. There is a fundamental difference as a result.
clues that would then be confirmable or not by looking at the IRS filings? Or
are you just asking questions to demonstrate neutrality? Many of your
questions could probably be answered by looking over her returns. Do you
have particular examples of "murky shiftings" or is that a Faux News meme
that got stuck in the brain? If you do not detect an asymmetry in
transparency between Clinton and il duce then you have not been
trying very hard to answer your questions and find "the truth". With Clinton
it should be possible to get much closer to it. With il duce
it is simply not possible given the purposeful lack of transparency and the complete contempt for voters that this encodes. There is a fundamental difference as a result.
Except that one side has released their information and you can take whatever inferences you want from it. While the other candidate is hedging his bets that he can get away without releasing any information and his followers will be ok with it. What is he hiding? He appears to want open discourse as long as it doesn't negatively effect him.
Seems like you are using Trumpian logic. Clinton released her tax returns, Trump refuses, and you call for an investigation of Clinton. I guess that explains why some people will be voting for Trump. His kind of thinking appeals to them.
Al Capone comes to mind as someone who could not be found guilty of leading a massive criminal enterprise beyond a reasonable doubt and was therefore tried and convicted of failure to pay his federal income taxes because the evidence of that was available. But in the case of Donald Trump, we are holding an election, not a criminal trial. The only punishment is loss of the election, not a long prison sentence. There are only voters, not jurors deciding his fate. The evidence is already overwhelming that Mr. Trump is uniquely unqualified to serve as President of the U.S. Anyone who is not already convinced of that will not be swayed by scrutiny of his tax returns. There is absolutely no need for disclosure of those returns.
7
You can't really decide that until you actually try the experiment on
real voters in real time. That seems to be an experiment very much
in the country's best interests to try.
real voters in real time. That seems to be an experiment very much
in the country's best interests to try.
I totally agree with the thrust of your argument and believe that it would be in the interests of all Americans if the full financial history of the nominees on the ballot to be make public. I also believe the tradition should apply to candidates seeking public office. It will probably be embarrassing to many candidates not because they have received money in exchange for a special interest but because they will reveal that their incomes are low and their debts high. But holding public office is a serious responsibility and we must keep working to get money out of politics.
7
He pays no taxes, gives scant charitable contributions (if any at all), does business with unsavory characters and entities, and is worth far less than he claims. Those should be our assumptions unless he forks over the returns.
31
GE CEO Jeff Immelt made 14 billion dollars in 2014 and didn't pay a thin dime in taxes. Barack Obama invited him to the White House and appointed him jobs czar.
Hypocrisy, thy candidate is Hillary Clinton.
Hypocrisy, thy candidate is Hillary Clinton.
Given that The Donald's finances are no doubt tightly interwoven with his complicated corporate structures, I see nothing being elucidated for the typical voter by the release of his personal tax returns. It's a sham request by the MSM and opposition research consultants who hope to cherry-pick items for headline purposes. Move on.
1
Weird assumptions. How about if it proves that Trump is lying about his income, his charitable contributions, his connections to Russia, and that he's committed income tax fraud? Considering his constant lying, it's really safer to assume the worst.
1
I want to know what tax rates he has paid, what his income has been, what charitable contributions he has made. Nobody should vote for him without this. He is hardly known for his veracity, I am not taking his word about anything. His taxes are definitely the voter's business. WHAT IS HE HIDING??? Only blind followers accept his excuses.
2
Matt Bevin, now governor of Kentucky refused to release his returns and indicated that he would release tax returns after he was elected. He was elected but to my knowledge has not released them after six months. I suspect that he never will.
I also suspect that Trump is not as rich as he claims, gives very little to charity and has some suspicious international dealings.
I also suspect that Trump is not as rich as he claims, gives very little to charity and has some suspicious international dealings.
12
Trump can provide his 2013 tax returns if he chooses or even 2012 or 2011. I think that when disclosed the taxable income will be very small due to losses incurred from his real estate deals. This is all perfectly legitimate and does not imply that he is tax cheat or anything like that. But that is his personal business.
3
Again there are no requirements for opening your tax information for all to see. This is an extremely bad argument. The question should be as how much did he steal from the little guy through bankruptcy. How bad are is his ideas. Those a the question that be answered not his personal taxes.
3
As is so often the case in politics these days, it's not so much the act as the cover-up. Trump's refusal to present his tax returns for public perusal suggests a whole array of possible embarrassments contained in them, but his blatant lie about the reason for withholding them is inexcusable and amazingly arrogant.
The IRS has made it plain that an ongoing audit is no bar to publication of his tax returns, and yet he continues to use that as his excuse for withholding them. As he's done over and over again, he openly lies with the apparent expectation that the public will accept the lie as the truth, or will consider it to be inconsequential.
His contempt for the public - for American voters - is boundless. He takes us for fools, for rubes to be conned into playing the shell game which can't be won because there is no pea. Is he right?
The IRS has made it plain that an ongoing audit is no bar to publication of his tax returns, and yet he continues to use that as his excuse for withholding them. As he's done over and over again, he openly lies with the apparent expectation that the public will accept the lie as the truth, or will consider it to be inconsequential.
His contempt for the public - for American voters - is boundless. He takes us for fools, for rubes to be conned into playing the shell game which can't be won because there is no pea. Is he right?
14
His republican confreres, playing along with his shenanigans and
endless lying and idiotic tomfoolery, have not made much of
an issue about anything. This "silence is the maxim of the law" response
is due to their own contempt for the public which translates into
a "this too shall (hopefully) pass" attitude, given how short attention spans are, how deep are the levels of cynicism etc. etc. "Move on from here", "suck it up" also express their contempt for perfectly valid challenges to the
lack of il duce's transparency. But how else can it be when Ryan's never filled in asterisks in his budget plan cons and McConnell's excuse for stonewalling
SCOTUS hearings are as worthy as il duce's tax filing resistance con?
endless lying and idiotic tomfoolery, have not made much of
an issue about anything. This "silence is the maxim of the law" response
is due to their own contempt for the public which translates into
a "this too shall (hopefully) pass" attitude, given how short attention spans are, how deep are the levels of cynicism etc. etc. "Move on from here", "suck it up" also express their contempt for perfectly valid challenges to the
lack of il duce's transparency. But how else can it be when Ryan's never filled in asterisks in his budget plan cons and McConnell's excuse for stonewalling
SCOTUS hearings are as worthy as il duce's tax filing resistance con?
Somebody said that Trump's tax returns are hidden away with those George W. Bush WMDs in Iraq. They will never be found.....
If the Dems (maybe the Bernie Bros could help here?) were as unpalatable and insistent as the (still unconvinced) Birthers were with Obama, they would scream for Trump's tax returns from every roof, every day, on every talk show. He must not get away with his deceitful and evasive answers about his finances. Specially now that his campaigs's connection with Russia has been established.
13
Trump
1. First brags about, then denies, having any relationship with Putin.
2. Putin and Trump take turns praising each other.
3. Trump takes unknown millions from the Russians for business.
4. Trump operatives change Republican platform regarding support for Ukraine.
5. His campaign manager is in bed with Russian oligarchs and Putin.
It isn't a stretch to consider that we might be electing a quasi-agent of a hostile foreign power.
1. First brags about, then denies, having any relationship with Putin.
2. Putin and Trump take turns praising each other.
3. Trump takes unknown millions from the Russians for business.
4. Trump operatives change Republican platform regarding support for Ukraine.
5. His campaign manager is in bed with Russian oligarchs and Putin.
It isn't a stretch to consider that we might be electing a quasi-agent of a hostile foreign power.
21
I suspect that Mr. Trump has made the calculation that he would lose far more support by sharing his tax returns than by withholding them and will seize any excuse to avoid revealing the truth of his financial status, both present status as well as recent years' dealings. Clearly, if he thought they would be helpful to him, he would have figured out a way to be more forthcoming.
23
I would like to hear about Trump's Philantrophy as a billionaire. At the very least his tax return will show his charitable donation.
Is there Russian Oligarch money being laundered thru his real estate holdings helping to float the Trump bubble. It will not be surprising to find out a high percentage of Russian Ghost Tenants at Trump Tower giving his infatuation with Putin and his Campaign Manager ties to Ukraine.
Endless conflict of interests can explain why we don't have a tradition of electing Business Tycoons to the highest office of the land.
Is there Russian Oligarch money being laundered thru his real estate holdings helping to float the Trump bubble. It will not be surprising to find out a high percentage of Russian Ghost Tenants at Trump Tower giving his infatuation with Putin and his Campaign Manager ties to Ukraine.
Endless conflict of interests can explain why we don't have a tradition of electing Business Tycoons to the highest office of the land.
10
theres no legal business better suited for money laundering than a casino
1
Scrutiny is a condition of being in government. Maybe Trump and can swagger and lie in his personal life, but in seeking the leadership of the free world, it is essential that all aspects be considered. Trump has dodged that responsibility completely since day one. For a man who has utilized the distrust of the media as his calling card, he has gotten a completely free ride by this same media on the most important aspects of genuine reporting. Who is this man really, beyond the bravado and hateful rhetoric? His opponent has been scrutinized personally and legally beyond any reason, while he sits in his stupor of self importance and creates his own realities. If he manages to put the Trump logo on the White House, the only feasible reason this man could want to be there, we will see what a Potemkin president really looks like.
14
Talking of people who have plenty to hide; Is Hilary Clinton is about to release the transcripts of her secretive, lucrative Wall Street speeches, the ones who made her wealthy and transformed a 'broke' post White House couple into multi-millionaires?
Are the Clintons going to tell us why are they parking some of their wealth in the same facetious tax heaven address that has been used by Donald Trump?
The NYT propaganda will never face the truth; Both Clinton and Trump are extremely wealthy and both pretend to represent real people rather than corporations.
Clinton represents working class women, women of color, poor people and the unemployed almost as genuinely as Trump being the true spokesperson for Rust Belt post industrial blue color and the unemployed.
Both are at the top of the 0.01% earners but are "well aware" of the daily difficulties we all experience down here.
Politico and the Rolling Stone exposed a money laundering scheme by the DNC and the Clinton campaign during the primaries. The DNC funneled many millions that were originally donated to local Democratic party committees, into Clinton's campaign coffers, breaking election laws and putting the DNC financial arm against senator Sanders. But you won't hear that on the NYT.
Of course Clinton is lucky, next to billionaire Trump, she, worth 'only' few hundreds of millions of dollars, can be sold as a working class hero.
Are the Clintons going to tell us why are they parking some of their wealth in the same facetious tax heaven address that has been used by Donald Trump?
The NYT propaganda will never face the truth; Both Clinton and Trump are extremely wealthy and both pretend to represent real people rather than corporations.
Clinton represents working class women, women of color, poor people and the unemployed almost as genuinely as Trump being the true spokesperson for Rust Belt post industrial blue color and the unemployed.
Both are at the top of the 0.01% earners but are "well aware" of the daily difficulties we all experience down here.
Politico and the Rolling Stone exposed a money laundering scheme by the DNC and the Clinton campaign during the primaries. The DNC funneled many millions that were originally donated to local Democratic party committees, into Clinton's campaign coffers, breaking election laws and putting the DNC financial arm against senator Sanders. But you won't hear that on the NYT.
Of course Clinton is lucky, next to billionaire Trump, she, worth 'only' few hundreds of millions of dollars, can be sold as a working class hero.
3
But we can see her tax returns for the last 7 years and peruse them if we are so inclined.
Donald Trump Jr. said (in 2009 or 2010) that a great proportion of the funds and other assets coming into the Trump empire were of Russian origin. Perhaps the returns will indicate the Russian sources for the incoming funds (corrupt oligarchs? Russian Mafya?) and the potential way they are the only assets keeping the Trump enterprises from declaring bankruptcy yet again.
When government officials and military personnel are undergoing security clearance background checks, one of the biggest factors that must be disclosed is the applicant's debt. How much money do Trump and his enterprises owe to Russian sources? How much conflict of interest pressure would Trump be under as a president (god forbid!) to make decisions in Russia's favor due to his financial exposure to Russian creditors?
Members of the press, do not let up on this issue! Demand every day that Trump release his tax returns!
When government officials and military personnel are undergoing security clearance background checks, one of the biggest factors that must be disclosed is the applicant's debt. How much money do Trump and his enterprises owe to Russian sources? How much conflict of interest pressure would Trump be under as a president (god forbid!) to make decisions in Russia's favor due to his financial exposure to Russian creditors?
Members of the press, do not let up on this issue! Demand every day that Trump release his tax returns!
17
Clinton campaign should continuously claim that Trump has paid no federal individual income tax for the past decade, compared to $XXXXX paid by Clinton, that Trump has made zero charitable contributions in the past decade, compared to $XXXXX contributed by Clinton, and that Trump has massive financial relationships with Putin's Russia, compared to zero by Clinton. That should be done in every public appearance. Eventually that might smoke him out.
9
We will not see those returns. At best, sometime in September or October Trump will get some CPA, “He’s the best, I’m telling you, I’m telling you, trust me, he’s the best CPA I have ever seen …” to prepare some kind of worthless summary that reveals nothing. Whether it’s Russian investments (and investors), a much smaller total wealth, lack of charitable contributions, failure to pay taxes generally, or some other manipulative scheme, there is no way Trump releases the real returns. He would rather lose the election than let the world see what a total fraud and phony he is and how his “business empire” is largely made of “paper promises to himself.” He may lie in public but even Trump won’t lie on his taxes and end up charged in a federal tax evasion case.
12
It's not just his tax returns. He claims to be a great businessman who will make such great deals for the USA that our "heads will spin." Have we ever seen audited financial statements for his various businesses? If he had been the head of a public company. those financial statements would be available for all to see.
Also, he has not released tax returns for past years, even though the audits are complete. George Stephanopolis asked him about this yesterday, and his excuse was that new return that is under audit is "linked" to the old returns. What does this mean, if anything?
Also, he has not released tax returns for past years, even though the audits are complete. George Stephanopolis asked him about this yesterday, and his excuse was that new return that is under audit is "linked" to the old returns. What does this mean, if anything?
11
Trump claims to have generated tens of thousands of jobs, his version of "sacrifice." I suspect a review of his tax returns would show that rather than being a creator of jobs, Trump's organization is merely a licensing shop, selling the name Trump to other companies which actually "create" the jobs, and, in the process, carry all the risk. It takes a skeletal staff to manage a licensing business. My sense is the Trump Organization has such a staff.
2
Besides the fact that tax returns will likely show that Donald Trump isn’t as rich or successful as he boasts, or that there may be conflicts of interest with Russian oligarchs, I suspect it will show that he is paying zero tax because of excessive deductions for alleged “charitable” contributions – likely the reason he is being audited. For example, he claims a glass sculpture by Pascal he “donated” to a tiny Pennsylvania village of Dunbar is worth $3 million. Did he take $3 million deduction?
7
I don't recall any editorial targeting Clinton and her lack of candor about her paid speeches to Goldman Sachs. She has refused to release transcripts. Why?
Perhaps Trumps tax returns will show he's blowing smoke about his wealth. But Clinton's speeches to some of the most powerful bankers can give insight into her planned policies. The great recession destroyed millions of families dreams, savings, and livelihoods and bank regulation (or lack thereof) was at the heart of it.
What Clinton says to these banks is of great interest to me, and should be to any American considering her for presidency.
Perhaps Trumps tax returns will show he's blowing smoke about his wealth. But Clinton's speeches to some of the most powerful bankers can give insight into her planned policies. The great recession destroyed millions of families dreams, savings, and livelihoods and bank regulation (or lack thereof) was at the heart of it.
What Clinton says to these banks is of great interest to me, and should be to any American considering her for presidency.
3
Well, you don't read the NYT often enough... Here is a link to that editorial http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/26/opinion/mrs-clinton-show-voters-those-...
Staying on topic of Tax Returns, Hillary Clinton has posted the last 8 years of her taxes online, how do you think you even know about her Goldman Sachs speeches?
Why don't we start with Trump matching her disclosures, then we can see about getting both of them to provide more details about some of the activities that they have earned income from. Sound fair?
Why don't we start with Trump matching her disclosures, then we can see about getting both of them to provide more details about some of the activities that they have earned income from. Sound fair?
At every rally and at every interview, Trump should be asked to release his tax returns--no excuse. As another reader said, he pursued our current president to release his birth certificate. The problem is that Trump makes so many disturbing comments that one cannot keep up with them before more are released. Focus on tax returns--worth the constant questioning.
11
It is beyond absurd for Trump to withhold his tax returns from public review. He wants to take the highest office in the land largely based on his self described business acumen but he won't let anyone verify his claims? What happened to Reagan's tenet that one should "trust yet verify?"
Silence, under certain circumstances, can be an admission. Should we therefore assume that he really has interests in Russia; that he pays far less in taxes than most Americans; and that he has business interests globally that could be benefitted should he assume the power of the Presidency?
The Donald may not be able to be shamed, but he should be held to account.
Silence, under certain circumstances, can be an admission. Should we therefore assume that he really has interests in Russia; that he pays far less in taxes than most Americans; and that he has business interests globally that could be benefitted should he assume the power of the Presidency?
The Donald may not be able to be shamed, but he should be held to account.
7
There are apparently some older Trump tax returns, from the 1970s and the 1990s (if memory serves), that became public record in various court cases. From what I have heard those returns all indicate that Trump paid NOTHING in taxes in each of those years.
Can the press, or anyone else, locate and post these returns online, so we can at least see some information that can be relied upon, even if it is years old?
Donald Trump seems to do the same thing over and over again, so any factual, indisputable information that provides any insight into his business practices is better than no information at all.
Can the press, or anyone else, locate and post these returns online, so we can at least see some information that can be relied upon, even if it is years old?
Donald Trump seems to do the same thing over and over again, so any factual, indisputable information that provides any insight into his business practices is better than no information at all.
8
I am not a supporter of Mr. Trump, though a Republican of long-standing. At the least he should release his returns which are no longer under audit, I would prefer all. But Mrs. Clinton, having had a health scare a couple of years ago, should release all of her health records, and it would be nice for at least the FBI (if not the public) to have the opportunity to review those infamously missing 30,000 + emails should Russia have them. Sunshine is the best disinfectant of all and applies equally to all in this most dismaying of all elections in which the public has to make this lousy choice.
2
If Ms. Clinton should release her health records, not a standard policy by any means, then Trump should release his too. And not just a forged letter from a dead doctor claiming he's in the best health of everyone in the world. All one has to do is look at Trump's face and belly to know he is in very poor health indeed.
Following the brewing scandal of Trump's open challenge for Putin to dip his fingers into American politics by tapping into the DNC's e-mail account, the extent of Russian finances of Trump's myriad business ventures begs to be answered. And the leadership of the GOP, by not demanding that Trump clear this up by providing copies of Trump's tax returns, is complacent in this suspected subterfuge and ought to be held responsible for any further Russian intrusions into our nations most sacred rites-Our elections!
7
Trump will never release his returns, audit or not. I'm sure he has many reasons for doing so. I'd bet his tax rate is close to zero and his accountant uses questionable methods to reach such a goal, he is far from being as rich as he claims, and perhaps Russian oligarchies are extending him loans since his bankruptcy history makes him a credit risk. Still, this is nothing. Donald Trump has shown himself to be an insensitive brute without the wisdom or temperament to be president of the United States. That alone should disqualify him from any public office, even city dog catcher.
12
It's well past time to take off the kid gloves where Donald Trump is concerned. Every major media outlet should declare that Mr. Trump is unfit to hold the office of President unless and until he provides full disclosure of his tax returns. The medial should further boycott any interviews with Mr. Trump until he provides the returns, thereby depriving him of the millions of dollars of free advertising that they have so willingly provided up to this point.
22
Except they get good ratings, more "clicks" and more subscriptions if they cover him. So this will never happen. After all, the media is after profits.
1
That's the best idea I've heard in a while, withholding free publicity to get answers from him on a myriad of issues. Kudos
2
There are so many questions only his tax returns can answer. Is he truly rich? How much investment is he getting from the Russians, does he give any money to charity, what is his effective tax rate. Since his only perceived qualification is his success as a businessman, the tax returns are more crucial than ever.
All media outlets and citizens should continue to pound him for this essential piece of information.
All media outlets and citizens should continue to pound him for this essential piece of information.
9
I know that the lying Trump will not release his tax returns, so I think the press should take over on this issue, and state all the things that his tax returns are likely to prove.
Articles should point out that we, the people, have to assume Trump is refusing to release his tax returns because they demonstrate a wide variety of negative things. For example, we should all assume that:
1) Trump pays less than 11% income tax and some years pays nothing at all.
2) Trump contributes less than 0.01% of his income to charitable causes, and two thirds of the charities he contributes to are run by friends of his family.
3) Trump is only worth about 600 million overall, not actually a billionaire.
4) A fourth of Trump's investors are Putin or Putin puppets.
5) Trump gets audited by the IRS every year, and every year he is found to have misreported income and submitted false tax returns.
We should just assume these things based on Trump's character and history. If he wants us to believe something different, he can go ahead and release the tax returns. Since he will not do that no matter what, we must assume they hide some pretty damning evidence against him.
Articles should point out that we, the people, have to assume Trump is refusing to release his tax returns because they demonstrate a wide variety of negative things. For example, we should all assume that:
1) Trump pays less than 11% income tax and some years pays nothing at all.
2) Trump contributes less than 0.01% of his income to charitable causes, and two thirds of the charities he contributes to are run by friends of his family.
3) Trump is only worth about 600 million overall, not actually a billionaire.
4) A fourth of Trump's investors are Putin or Putin puppets.
5) Trump gets audited by the IRS every year, and every year he is found to have misreported income and submitted false tax returns.
We should just assume these things based on Trump's character and history. If he wants us to believe something different, he can go ahead and release the tax returns. Since he will not do that no matter what, we must assume they hide some pretty damning evidence against him.
19
I agree! Many "assumptions" are made about Hillary's Wall street speeches, whether bribery was involved with the Clinton Foundation, etc. Since those "assumptions" get to be thrown around like they are actual news and facts, then we should be able to treat the Donald this way as well. Unless completely and utterly proven wrong, I say where no evidence is provided, we should be able to use whatever outlandish numbers/facts we want, all things being equal..
1
Once again, another example of how Trump supporters really wouldn't care if he did shoot someone on 5th Avenue.
Trump says there is nothing to learn from his taxes. If true, then it would be to his advantage to release them.
He says he can't release them because they're being audited. All an audit does is validate the assertions in the tax return. If the information in his return is truthful, and there is nothing to learn, then why would an audit prevent their disclosure?
This is a systemic pattern of illogical behavior that Trump applies to most topics. We're not surprised by his. And now its possible he'll try to use a similar approach to either avoid the debates or discredit them as being one-sided. Or justify how his insensitive response to Mr. Khan and belief that spending money is a 'sacrifice' is somehow appropriate. You have to be literally brain dead to not be concerned about this pathological narcissistic behavior.
Trump's non-disclosure of his taxes means there is in fact something to hide. Since he seems to have said and done everything that would have normally destroyed the campaign of any rational, sane politician, his taxes MUST be his Achilles heel. If he can shoot someone on 5th Avenue without losing support, but he's afraid to reveal his taxes, I suspect his sole basis for "qualifications" for the presidency is at risk.
As if his taxes are all we need to know he isn't qualified...
Trump says there is nothing to learn from his taxes. If true, then it would be to his advantage to release them.
He says he can't release them because they're being audited. All an audit does is validate the assertions in the tax return. If the information in his return is truthful, and there is nothing to learn, then why would an audit prevent their disclosure?
This is a systemic pattern of illogical behavior that Trump applies to most topics. We're not surprised by his. And now its possible he'll try to use a similar approach to either avoid the debates or discredit them as being one-sided. Or justify how his insensitive response to Mr. Khan and belief that spending money is a 'sacrifice' is somehow appropriate. You have to be literally brain dead to not be concerned about this pathological narcissistic behavior.
Trump's non-disclosure of his taxes means there is in fact something to hide. Since he seems to have said and done everything that would have normally destroyed the campaign of any rational, sane politician, his taxes MUST be his Achilles heel. If he can shoot someone on 5th Avenue without losing support, but he's afraid to reveal his taxes, I suspect his sole basis for "qualifications" for the presidency is at risk.
As if his taxes are all we need to know he isn't qualified...
10
I think the essential issue is that a businessman whose primary case for being President is that he is so successful as a businessman can not ethically refuse to release the only evidence of his success.
The ancillary issues also matter. A primary reason we want to review tax returns is it tells us a lot about a candidate's character and honesty. What charities do they support, where do they make their money (remember Clinton and Wall Street speaking fees?), is everything above board or are there questionable activities, are there settlements in which someone paid less than they owed, etc. These issues are relevant. Any candidate that refuses to disclose should be shown the door and presumed to be dishonest.
The ancillary issues also matter. A primary reason we want to review tax returns is it tells us a lot about a candidate's character and honesty. What charities do they support, where do they make their money (remember Clinton and Wall Street speaking fees?), is everything above board or are there questionable activities, are there settlements in which someone paid less than they owed, etc. These issues are relevant. Any candidate that refuses to disclose should be shown the door and presumed to be dishonest.
296
Unfortunately there is nothing ethical in Trump.
He never has had any intention of disclosing his returns prior to the election...why...because he doesn't believe he's going to win. Why disclose if you lose?
It's just another reason not to vote for Mr. Trump - it's not a reason to criticize him - he's entitled not to disclose, and I'm entitled to vote for anyone I want. It's a free country last time I looked.