Feinstein: ‘Possibility’ Intel Dems could subpoena Trump tax returns

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) told CNN Thursday that it is a “distinct possibility” that she and other Democrats on the Senate Intelligence Committee could try to force President Trump to release his tax returns through a subpoena. 

“We’re not there yet, but quote, ‘It’s a distinct possibility, yes,’ ” Manu Raju, CNN’s senior congressional reporter, said Feinstein told him Thursday.

Raju added that Democrats “actually have the power” to subpoena Trump under committee rules despite being in the minority. But such a move could throw a wrench into the committee’s bipartisan investigation into Russia’s meddling in the election. And the White House would likely employ protections to keep Trump’s tax returns under wraps, CNN reported.

{mosads}Raju said that Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) also told him that she’s open to looking into the move but is not at that point yet. 

Trump has repeatedly resisted calls to publicly release his tax returns, which Democrats argue could shed light on his ties to Russia and conflicts of interest stemming from business dealings. Trump has said that he has not done business in Russia.

Democrats have repeatedly tried unearthing Trump’s tax returns, with the latest attempt happening Wednesday, as part of an effort to force Republicans to take tough votes on the record.

Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) offered an amendment during the Ways and Means Committee’s markup of legislation to repeal and replace ObamaCare that evening. It requested Trump’s tax returns from the Treasury Department for his panel’s review.

Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-Texas) ruled the measure was unrelated to health insurance legislation and Republicans ultimately tabled a Democratic appeal.