Donald Trump has erupted in fury and issued a stark legal threat against The New York Times, promising to sue the publication over its blockbuster report on his tax history. The former President's wrath was unleashed via his preferred platform, Twitter, where he decried the story as "totally fake news."
The incendiary article, published by the Times, alleges that the property mogul turned world leader paid a mere $750 in federal income taxes during the year he won the presidential election in 2016. The report further claims he paid the same amount again in his first year residing in the White House.
A History of Secrecy and Scrutiny
This is not the first time Mr. Trump's financial affairs have been thrust into the spotlight. He famously broke with decades of tradition by refusing to release his tax returns during both his 2016 campaign and his time in office, consistently stating they were "under audit."
The New York Times report is based on what it describes as tax-return data spanning over two decades, painting a complex picture of vast business losses and intricate financial manoeuvring.
The White House Response
When confronted with the allegations, the White House swiftly moved to dismiss them. Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany denounced the report, stating, "The New York Times has, for years, been running inaccurate reports. This is yet another one."
She redirected criticism towards the tax system itself, arguing, "The President has paid millions of dollars in personal taxes to the federal government... This is a bogus story, and their source is questionable."
As the political world digests these stunning claims, all eyes are now on whether the former President will follow through with his threat of legal action, setting the stage for a monumental clash between a powerful media institution and a commander-in-chief who forever changed the rules of political engagement.
