(Update: Again on Thursday, Rep. Pelosi told a news conference that Democrats will "continue to ask" for Trump's tax returns, because "we want to know, what do the Russians have on Donald Trump -- politically, financially, and personally?" She called for an independent investigation to get to the "bottom of that.")
(CNSNews.com) – Democrats are demanding to see Donald Trump’s tax returns because they want the “facts” and the “truth,” including “any personal embarrassment to the president,” House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) told a news conference on Wednesday:
The tax returns, many believe, are part of the Russian connection, the disruption of our election, the money pouring into the Trump organization, any personal embarrassment to the president -- we want to know the truth, and we can start by seeing his tax returns.
Which is not an extraordinary request - unless you're Donald Trump and think you're above custom, tradition and maybe even the law!
Pelosi was asked if Democrats “have more cards to play” when it comes to forcing Trump to release his tax returns.
Earlier on Wednesday, Republicans on the House Ways and Means Committee rejected a Democrat amendment calling on the committee to request Trump’s tax returns from the Treasury Department and then examine them in a closed hearing.
The amendment came during the markup of the Republican’s repeal-and-replace health care plan.
“What does the President have to hide?” Pelosi asked at Wednesday’s news conference. “What do the Russians have on Donald Trump, personally, politically and financially, that he is keeping a secret? Why are the Republicans in Congress accomplices to that secrecy? Why are the Republicans in Congress voting to say ‘No, we don't think he should release his tax returns?’ It's a very bad vote for them. That's a very bad vote for them, that's a very bad vote for them.”
Democrats, including Pelosi, say Trump is the only president since Gerald Ford not to release his tax returns. There is no law saying he must do so.
Also See:
Democrat Suggests Trump May Benefit From Tanning Salon Provision of Republicans' Health Care Bill
Franken Calls for Special Prosecutor: 'Need to See' Trump's Tax Returns
Sen. Al Franken Repeats: 'We Need to See His Tax Returns'
Sen. Collins: ‘Too Soon to Tell’ If Intel Committee Will Subpoena Trump’s Tax Returns