Steven Mnuchin Rejects Democrats’ Demand to Hand over Trump’s Tax Returns

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Monday told House Democrats that he refuses to furnish President Trump’s tax returns, despite their legal request.

Steven Mnuchin addressed a letter to the House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal on Monday, saying that it would not be lawful to make the information public.

As reported by CNN, he wrote in the one-page letter, on behest of his lawyers, that "the Department may not lawfully fulfill the Committee's request."

In addition, he said the request from Democrats does not serve "a legitimate legislative purpose," despite their request being backed by a 1924 law.

According to Mnuchin, the decision is final as it would create a dangerous precedent if he were to allow the release of Donald Trump's tax returns. He added:

"In reliance on the advice of the Department of Justice, I have determined that the Committee's request lacks a legitimate legislative purpose, and [...] the Department is therefore not authorized to disclose the requested returns and return information."

Back in April, a member of the Ways and Means Committee said that Chairman Neal will "likely subpoena the returns" if the IRS does not comply.

That will be the start of a legal battle "to defend the right of oversight in Congress."