CNN Panel Gets Heated Over Trump Tax Return Fight: ‘Classic Fishing Expedition’

A CNN panel got heated this morning over a request from House Democrats to the IRS for President Donald Trump‘s tax returns.

Congressman Bill Pascrell (D- NJ) serves on the House Ways and Means Committee and he defended the request for the president’s tax returns and that he “has to comply.”

Attorney Andrew Stoltmann argued, “We know the reason why he wants these documents, it’s to harass, embarrass, and harangue the president. That’s improper. If you wonder why Congress has such low approval ratings, it’s really because of stunts like this. It is a classic fishing expedition.”

“Andrew, there’s nothing improper,” Pascrell responded. He argued Chairman Richard Neal made a “very narrow” request and added that it’s “bull” for POTUS to say he can’t release his tax returns because he’s under audit.

Stoltmann shot back that they need a “legitimate purpose” and told Pascrell at one point, “If you want this to change, then you can pass a law requiring all presidential candidates and presidents to release those returns. There’s certain things that are confidential––tax returns and health records and stuff like that.”

Anchor Christi Paul asked, “Because President Trump has refused to divest his businesses and he has refused to release his tax returns, that does indeed make him more vulnerable to deeper scrutiny, does it not?”

Stoltmann again said Trump has no obligation to produce them, telling Pascrell again “you have to have a legitimate purpose, not just a fishing expedition, and that is what you guys are doing.”

“Your threats are not going to stop us inquiring,” Pascrell shot back.

“I’m not threatening anyone,” Stoltmann responded.

You can watch above, via CNN.

[image via screengrab]