Mnuchin formally rejects Dem request for Trump's tax returns

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Monday formally rejected Democrats’ request for President Trump’s tax returns, saying it “lacks a legitimate legislative purpose.”

“I am informing you now that the Department may not lawfully fulfill the Committee’s request,” Mnuchin said in a letter to House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal (D-Mass.).

The response, while widely expected, sets the stage for a likely court battle, as Democrats are expected to continue their push for the returns.

Some lawmakers and experts have said they expect Neal to issue a subpoena for the documents. Democrats may also vote to hold Trump administration officials in contempt.

Eventually, Democrats are expected to sue the Trump administration, asking a judge to enforce a portion of the tax code that allows for certain lawmakers to request and receive tax returns.