Judge Orders Hearing On Trump $10B IRS Lawsuit
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WASHINGTON: A federal judge on Friday ordered a May 27 hearing to determine whether President Donald Trump can sue the Internal Revenue Service in a US$10 billion lawsuit he filed in January, in which he and his sons alleged leaked tax returns harmed their business.
Judge Kathleen Williams directed both Trump's lawyers and the Department of Justice to submit briefs explaining why the case should proceed and set the May 27 hearing; she noted on Friday that the president and the Treasury and IRS may not be sufficiently adverse, signaling the suit could be dismissed. Trump and his eldest sons maintain their damages claim.
More context
Timeline
- 1. January 2026: Trump, his sons, and the Trump Organization file a $10 billion suit against the IRS alleging leaked tax returns harmed their business.
- 2. During Trump's earlier term: He declined to release tax returns, leading to public scrutiny and speculation.
- 3. 24–25 April 2026: US District Judge Kathleen Williams issues an order questioning whether a sitting president can sue agencies he oversees.
- 4. Judge Williams denies a delay request and orders briefs from Trump's lawyers and the Department of Justice.
- 5. 27 May 2026: Scheduled hearing to decide whether the case can proceed given standing and adversarial posture concerns.
Why it matters
This case could set a precedent for how public figures handle tax privacy. It also raises questions about the IRS's security measures. If you're concerned about your own tax privacy, consider checking your IRS account for any unusual activity.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
