Nancy Pelosi: House Democrats to seek Trump tax returns next month

The tax returns could provide crucial information on whether foreign delegations have any leverage over the president

Nancy Pelosi says Democrats will look to obtain President Donald Trump’s tax returns as they as they take control of the House of Representatives in January.

Ms Pelosi, who is likely to win the House speakership next month, said the Ways and Means Committee will “take the first steps” towards getting the tax documents, Reuters reported.

“There is popular demand for the Congress to request the president’s tax returns,” Ms Pelosi said.

It is likely to be a difficult feat considering its a move the White House is expected to push back against, but the top Democrat said its up to the committee to find how to move forward.

“I’m sure the White House will resist and so the question is where do we go from there,” she said.

Mr Trump avoided a long tradition when he refused to release his tax records as a candidate, and after his presidential win in November 2016. There is no law that mandates a president or candidate to disclose their tax returns, but almost every nominee and president has done so in recent decades.

Democratic leaders are preparing to take control of the House next month and have been strategic in announcing their goals. So far, the Democrats said they plan to go after policies that are popular, or of concern to their voter base. Although the party has been cautious about aggressively prioritising Mr Trump’s impeachment proceedings, they said they won’t back down from his presidency and his personal business dealings.

Democratic New Jersey Representative Bill Pascrell said he supports his party’s plan to go after Mr Trump’s tax records.

“I am confident we will have the will and the tools to finally expose Trump’s financial history to sunlight,” he said.

If obtained, the tax records could provide critical information determining if Mr Trump’s personal and/or business dealings forms any conflicts of interest.

Democrats allege the president has violated the US Constitution’s emoluments clause, which forbids presidents from accepting gifts of value from foreign government, citing the hotels Mr Trump’s owns where foreign government delegations often lodge.

In addition to seeking Mr Trump’s tax records, Ms Pelosi said the House will also prioritise issues on healthcare and trade.