What's motive for keeping tax returns secret?

President Trump claims that his tax returns cannot be released because they are being audited. However an audit will not prevent the returns from being made public.

By regulation the Congressional Ways and Means Committee can submit a formal request to the Secretary of the Treasury for Trump's tax returns. U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. has asked Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady to submit such a formal request.

However, Brady has refused, saying this would set a precedent and the returns of anyone could be reviewed. It seems that if someone has nothing to hide this would be a good thing. The release of the documents would provide an instant vindication and end any speculation in one news cycle. Keeping the records secret simply keeps the conjecture alive for weeks.

It makes you wonder. Is Brady protecting the president or he concerned about what the release of tax returns would reveal about himself or his Congressional colleagues?

Jim Gustafson

Wheaton