Donald Trump is facing several investigations related to his business practices. He denies any wrongdoing
(Picture: AP)Donald Trump has lost his fight to prevent his tax returns being handed over to a Democrat-led congressional committee.
The US Supreme Court on Tuesday night rejected the former president’s plea to prevent the Treasury Department from giving six years of tax returns to the House Ways and Means Committee, which has been seeking access to his records since 2019.
It is a blow to the Republican who last week announced his intention to run again for the White House in 2024. Despite losing their majority in the House of Representatives at this midterm elections earlier this month, Democrats will remain in charge of the chamber until January 3 - which should give them enough time to scrutinise Mr Trump’s records.
Mr Trump became the first president in 40 years not to release his taxes after announcing his first presidential run.
The 76-year-old is facing several investigations related to his business practices. He denies any wrongdoing.
The Treasury Department had refused to provide the records during Mr Trump's presidency.
But the Biden administration said federal law is clear that the committee has the right to examine any taxpayer's return, including the president's.
Lower courts agreed that the committee has broad authority to obtain tax returns and rejected Mr Trump's claims that it was overstepping and only wanted the documents so they could be made public.
Chief justice John Roberts imposed a temporary freeze on November 1 to allow the court to weigh the legal issues raised by Mr Trump's lawyers and the counter arguments of the administration and the House of Representatives.
