Todd Blanche Kept Trump’s Tax Audit Shield. It Could Erase a $100 Million IRS Bill

The recent developments surrounding Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s nomination have flown under the radar, but one aspect of this saga has raised significant concerns: the tax audit immunity deal included in the same settlement agreement as the proposed “Anti-Weaponization Fund.” This deal shields Trump, his sons, and the Trump Organization from audits related to tax returns filed before May 19, 2026.

The inclusion of such a provision in the settlement agreement is unusual. In the past, the IRS has regularly audited the sitting President’s tax returns to ensure there would be no question about preferential treatment. This precedent is being turned on its head with Trump’s deal. Georgetown Law Professor David Super points out that “it is completely self-dealing” and not in the best interest of the United States government.

The potential impact of this deal is staggering – potentially over $100 million in unpaid taxes. But it’s not just about the money; it’s also about the principle. This deal undermines public trust in the system and creates a sense of impunity for those in power. As Super notes, “in that respect, it is unlike anything we’ve seen before.”

The Justice Department has maintained that Blanche has the authority to end tax audits of Trump, his sons, and the Trump Organization in this litigation. However, experts question whether Blanche has the legal authority to do so. The NYU Tax Law Center contends that Blanche only has authority to resolve tax matters referred to DOJ, which in this case is a taxpayer privacy lawsuit, not issues with tax returns.

This deal sets a disturbing precedent for future administrations and undermines the integrity of our system. It’s essential that lawmakers and experts continue to scrutinize this deal and demand transparency from those in power.

The Trump administration has been marred by controversy and allegations of impropriety at every turn. From the emoluments clause to the Ukraine scandal, we’ve seen a consistent disregard for the rules and norms that govern our government. The tax audit immunity deal is just another chapter in this saga, a symptom of a larger problem – a culture of self-dealing and special treatment for those in power.

The idea of presidential immunity from tax audits is not new. In fact, it dates back to the 19th century when President Andrew Jackson refused to comply with a subpoena related to his bank dealings. Since then, there have been numerous instances where Presidents have invoked their authority to shield themselves from scrutiny. However, what’s different this time is the scope and scale of the deal – Trump’s immunity covers not just himself but also his sons and the Trump Organization.

As we move forward, it’s essential that lawmakers and experts continue to scrutinize this deal and demand transparency from those in power. We need to ensure that our system is not rigged against the public interest but rather serves as a check on those who would abuse their authority. The tax audit immunity deal is just another reminder of the importance of oversight and accountability in government – transparency is not a luxury, it’s a necessity for our democracy to thrive.

The question remains: what does this mean for Trump? Will he be able to use this immunity deal to shield himself from scrutiny, or will the IRS eventually prevail in their efforts to audit his returns? One thing is certain – the public deserves answers.