Dem calls for fines, jail time if Mnuchin refuses to release Trump’s tax returns

Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.) argued Monday that if President Trump’s tax returns are not turned over to Congress following a subpoena, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig should face fines or jail time.

“I believe that the Justice Department should first fine the two persons that we’re talking about, Mr. Mnuchin and Mr. Rettig,” Pascrell said during an interview on MSNBC. “If they say no all the way, then I’d put them in jail all the way.”

Pascrell is a member of the Democratic-led House Ways and Means Committee, which last week subpoenaed six years of Trump’s tax returns from both Mnuchin and Rettig. The committee gave the officials until 5 p.m. Friday to hand over the returns.{mosads}

Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal (D-Mass.) argued last week that the subpoena “gives us the best opportunity to succeed and obtain the requested material.” The panel is probing how the IRS audits and enforces tax laws against a president.

Pascrell, who noted on MSNBC that he was speaking for himself, said that if the returns are not turned over by the Friday deadline he would be willing to begin impeachment proceedings against the Trump administration officials.

“If they say no on Friday and if they ignore this … then we do have a constitutional crisis,” he said. “By Friday night I’d be willing to begin impeachment processes.” 

Mnuchin has previously denied a House request for Trump’s tax returns.

The Hill has reached out to the Treasury Department and the IRS for comment.