Trump's IRS Settlement Bars Tax Audits Of Trump & Family

The U.S. Department of Justice announced on May 19 that it added new terms to a settlement agreement regarding President Donald Trump's lawsuit over alleged IRS leaks of his tax returns. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated in a one-page addendum that the IRS would no longer pursue claims against Trump, his family members, or his businesses for unpaid taxes. This settlement, reached on May 18, also established an Anti-Weaponization Fund valued at nearly $1.8 billion to compensate alleged victims of law enforcement weaponization. In exchange for the creation of this fund, the plaintiffs agreed to drop their claims and withdraw administrative claims related to the Mar-a-Lago raid and the Russia-collusion hoax. The agreement explicitly states that the federal government is "forever barred and precluded" from conducting "examinations" of Trump and related individuals, covering tax returns filed before the settlement's effective date. The Anti-Weaponization Fund will be controlled by five individuals appointed by the attorney general, with one member selected in consultation with congressional leadership. Critics, including Senator Ron Wyden and Representative Richard Neal, have condemned the addendum, arguing it violates laws prohibiting the IRS from being directed to open or close audits. Senator Patty Murray characterized the arrangement as the president "looting from the Treasury for his own gain." A department spokeswoman defended the clause as routine legal practice, noting that the restriction applies only to audits already open at the time of signing.

(Source：Zerohedge)