Is There Any Legal Ground for Mueller to Have Trump's Tax Returns?

The issue of whether Robert Mueller, the former special counsel, has access to Donald Trump's tax returns has been a subject of much debate. It is essential to understand the legal and procedural considerations surrounding the release and access to such financial documents.

What Happened with Mueller's Special Counsel Role?

Robert Mueller, during his tenure as the special counsel investigating potential ties between the Trump campaign and the Russian government, did not have access to Donald Trump's tax returns. The special counsel, specifically John Durham, is currently investigating the Russian investigation to determine whether it was a political hatchet job.

The special counsel, by definition, has a narrow scope of authority focused on the investigation at hand. Therefore, unless the investigation directly pertains to tax returns, there is no legal ground for the special counsel to have obtained them through a subpoena or other means.

Who Could Have the Tax Returns?

Several parties may have a legitimate reason to possess or review Donald Trump's tax returns:

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal investigators, such as John Durham, as part of a broader investigation into fraudulent activities related to the Russia investigation Federal prosecutors if there is concrete proof that the returns hold evidence of tax evasion or other financial crimes Lawyers representing Trump, who would likely have access for legal purposes

It is important to note that even with the IRS, disclosing financial information without the taxpayer's consent is strictly regulated by law, ensuring that privacy is maintained.

Does the FBI Have Access to Tax Returns?

The FBI does not typically get involved in tax cases. Such cases are usually handled by the IRS, which has the authority to conduct investigations and determine the validity of tax returns. The FBI would only be involved in tax-related issues if it leads to a criminal investigation, such as in cases involving fraud or money laundering.

Can Mueller Secretly Subpoena Trump's Tax Returns?

Any attempt to secretly subpoena Trump's tax returns would likely be met with significant legal challenges. Robert Mueller, as a special counsel, would have to prove a compelling need for the tax returns and follow the necessary legal procedures, such as obtaining a court order.

Moreover, even if a special counsel believed they needed the tax returns, they would have to demonstrate the need first and then navigate the legal hoops involved in securing them. There is no indication that Mueller or any other special counsel has legal access to Trump's tax returns without Trump's authorization.

Conclusion

While there is no definitive answer to whether Robert Mueller has Donald Trump's tax returns, it is highly unlikely that he had any legal ground to obtain them secretly or otherwise. Legal access would require a compelling reason and the proper legal procedure, which have not been established in this case.