New York is the president’s home state and the headquarters of his business. Efforts to obtain Mr. Trump’s federal tax returns have been repeatedly thwarted by the president’s refusals to release them, citing pending audits. That intransigence hit new heights in recent months, as the White House has defied congressional subpoenas and has said that Democrats will “never” see his returns. The White House had no immediate comment on the New York bills. There have also been efforts to avoid legal challenges, including several recent amendments to narrow the state tax bill’s focus to public officials, employees or officials in the federal executive branch, as well as other holders of government posts and political party leaders.

Source: New York Times May 21, 2019 21:49 UTC