In an amicus brief filed today, Common Cause and former commissioners of the IRS urge the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida to take proactive, integrity-protecting steps in reviewing President Donald Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS. 

In an amicus curiae brief, Common Cause asks the Court to: 

• require parties to address the legal basis for this lawsuit and the fundamental conflict-of-interest problems it presents; 

• scrutinize Trump’s extraordinary request for $10 Billion in damages; 

• consider pausing the case until after President Trump leaves office; and  

• appoint independent amici to ensure the Court receives due consideration of legal issues the parties may not adequately litigate. 

The lawsuit raises serious legal and executive power concerns, in the context of growing risks to American democracy. The court cannot assume that the IRS — which operates under the president’s authority — will resist a president who is exerting heavy control over traditionally independent agencies. 

Democracy Forward represents Common Cause and the other amici in filing the brief. 

“We are watching a president attempt to bully the IRS into giving him billions of our taxpayer dollars,” said Abigail Bellows, Common Cause Senior Policy Director for Anti-Corruption and Accountability. “Our government should be accountable to the people, not the whims of a power-hungry executive. We urge the Court to take steps to promote judicial integrity and protect the public interest.” 

To view the amicus brief, кликните сюда.