Donald Trump could have ‘leaked his own tax files as distraction’
DONALD Trump could have leaked his tax returns as a distraction from turmoil at the White House, the man who got the details said today.
Donald Trump could have leaked his tax returns as a distraction
Journalist David Cay Johnston said it was “entirely possible” Mr Trump sent him the summary of his 2005 filing anonymously by post.
Mr Johnston, who won a Pulitzer prize for work on tax dodgers, said Mr Trump had a “history of leaking material”.
The document showed $38million tax paid on $150million income from his property empire at a rate of 24 per cent, lower than the 35 per cent he should have paid after a $103million losses write down.
David Cay Johnston thinks it's possible Mr Trump sent them anonymously
Mr Trump was one of the most successful businessmen in the world with a responsibility to his company, his family and his employees to pay no more tax than legally required
It was revealed by MSNBC TV host Rachel Maddow.
An hour before her show the White House confirmed the numbers were accurate.
Mr Trump Tweeted: “Does anybody really believe that a reporter, who nobody ever heard of, ‘went to his mailbox’ and found my tax returns?”
Republican voter voices concern over Trump's rhetoric
The document showed $38million tax paid
Mr Trump declined to publish his returns – even though every candidate has since 1976, including President Nixon – saying he could not do so because he was “under audit”.
The US tax authority said that he could. Critics say he has something to hide and Mr Johnston claims that it could be his ties to Russia or offshore tax holdings.
Mr Trump denied to publish his returns
The White House said: “Mr Trump was one of the most successful businessmen in the world with a responsibility to his company, his family and his employees to pay no more tax than legally required.”
The FBI’s James Comey could confirm on Monday that Mr Trump’s dealings with Russia are under investigation, it emerged today.