One of the most talked about topics of Trump’s presidential campaign was his tax returns (or rather, the lack thereof). Despite the frequent request for their release, Trump refused. Even through his election, many stayed persistent.
Today, April 15, 2017, also known as “Tax Day”, protestors took to the streets to demand President Trump to finally release his tax returns. This idea stemmed from Kellyanne Conway, who shortly after Trump’s inauguration stated that “people don’t care” about Trump’s taxes. Several people took to Twitter to express their dismay over Conway’s comment and propose a solution, notably comedian Frank Lesser and law professor Jennifer Taub.
Trump claims no one cares about his taxes. The next mass protest should be on Tax Day to prove him wrong.
— Frank Lesser (@sadmonsters) January 22, 2017
Let's plan a nationwide #DivestDonald and #showusyourtaxes protest for Saturday, April 15 https://t.co/Wo9DY9eEGP
— Jennifer Taub (@jentaub) January 22, 2017
To prove Conway wrong and hopefully bring light to the truth, the Tax March was created. The protests, which took place in cities across the nation, all strived to acquire transparency from our president. So far during his time in office, transparency has seemed to be avoided. Recently, there has been controversy over the White House’s visitor logs. People on both sides of the aisle have been calling on the White House to make all visitors to the president public. Even so, the White House remains adamant in keeping the logs private.
Marches and protests seem to be a popular trend among those opposed to Trump. From the Jan. 21 Women’s Marches to the upcoming April 22 March For Science, the discontent for the administration is obvious.
Throughout the day, #TaxMarch has trended on Twitter where support and opposition alike were expressed (including often butthurt conservative pundit Tomato Lasagna).
Tax marchers, why not save your cardboard/sharpies & simply wait for your girl Rachel Maddow to break more "news" on Trump's taxes #TaxMarch
— Tomi Lahren (@TomiLahren) April 15, 2017
I served my country. I paid my taxes. I showed them for my VA loan. Where are your taxes @realDonaldTrump like you promised? #TaxMarch pic.twitter.com/EQLK5zjPJi
— #GOPValues R killing US ❤️?? (@VerneLaVurl) April 15, 2017
#TaxMarch kicks off on Market St in San Francisco. Show your taxes @POTUS! What do you have to hide? pic.twitter.com/Eg0Q6qkJWe
— Elisa Ringholm (@elisacorey) April 15, 2017
Every President since Carter has released taxes. Americans have right to know if the President is concealing conflicts of interest #TaxMarch
— Adam Schiff (@AdamSchiff) April 15, 2017
The fact that Trump refuses to release his tax returns is alarming. If there’s nothing to hide, what problem does he have releasing them? Many suspect he is guilty of tax evasion while many believe his tax returns will reveal a conflict of interest with his position as president. Either way, one thing is for sure: we, as American citizens, deserve truth and transparency. And that can start with Trump’s tax returns.
