Trump Sues To Block Congress From Accessing His Financial Records

Donald Trump, Rep. Elijah J. Cummings

The Washington Post reports that Donald Trump is suing to block Congress - specifically House Oversight Committee Chair Elijah Cummings -  from accessing his financial records.

The lawsuit seeks a court order to prevent Trump’s accounting firm from complying with what his lawyers say is an improper use of subpoena power by congressional Democrats.

“Democrats are using their new control of congressional committees to investigate every aspect of President Trump’s personal finances, businesses, and even his family,” the filing by Trump claims. “Instead of working with the President to pass bipartisan legislation that would actually benefit Americans, House Democrats are singularly obsessed with finding something they can use to damage the President politically.”

The filing, in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, further escalates a clash between the White House and the Democratic-controlled House over congressional oversight.

Last week, Cummings subpoenaed Mazars USA, an accounting firm long used by Trump.

It's important to note that the House Oversight Committee is specifically charged with oversight of the Executive Branch of government.

Cummings' committee is seeking 10 years of financial records from Trump.

Trump WH constantly touts how many records were turned over to prove no collision. Why does the president fight so hard to keep anyone from seeing his tax returns, business records, bank loans? https://t.co/KLYIv2VeUd

— Greg Miller (@gregpmiller) April 22, 2019

President has nothing to hide and that’s why he’s suing to hide his financial records. https://t.co/mpExrhLRK4

— Molly Jong-Fast (@MollyJongFast) April 22, 2019