There are many things that Donald Trump is wrong about, one of which is that the American people don’t really care about his tax returns. Wrong! We actually do care—so much so that there are groups planning to use tax day (April 15) as an opportunity to prove it.
The Tax March is scheduled for April 15, 2017, in Washington, DC, to remind Trump that he works for the American people and that we have a right to see his tax returns. Multiple activist groups have joined the cause, and they are expecting tens of thousands of participants around the country.
"Accountability begins with transparency, and for President Trump, transparency begins with his tax returns," said Karen Hobert Flynn, the president of Common Cause. "If Donald Trump's claims that he has nothing to hide are to be believed, then he must begin by releasing his taxes - a low presidential bar that even Richard Nixon met while he too was under IRS audit."
Of course, since he declared his candidacy for president, an audit has served as a convenient excuse for Trump not to release any taxes dating back several years—though curiosity and suspicion remain as to what he is hiding in returns.
Experts say Trump's tax returns would provide critical information about his effective tax rate and charitable giving, and could potentially expose conflict of interests he may have with businesses or foreign governments.
We already know that Trump is a thief and crook. And it’s inevitable that his returns will show us exactly how deeply embedded he is with the Russian government, therefore, it’s unlikely that he will suddenly have an attack of conscience and release his returns. But every bit of pressure helps to build our case against him—especially since the majority of Americans believe he should release his tax returns. So to those who wish to participate, happy marching on Tax Day!