Former US President Donald Trump has initiated a substantial $10bn legal action against the Internal Revenue Service and the US Treasury Department, alleging their failure to safeguard his confidential tax information from unauthorised disclosure to media organisations.
Legal Action Over Alleged Security Failures
The lawsuit, formally lodged in Miami's federal court on Thursday, contends that both government agencies neglected to implement essential protective measures that could have prevented former IRS contractor Charles Littlejohn from accessing and distributing Trump's tax returns to what the complaint describes as "leftist media outlets."
Trump, alongside his adult sons Donald Trump Jr and Eric Trump, plus the Trump Organization as co-plaintiffs, asserts that these security lapses have resulted in what they characterise as "significant and irreparable harm" to both their professional reputations and financial interests.
Media Publications Under Scrutiny
According to the legal documentation, the New York Times published at least eight articles based on the leaked materials, while investigative journalism outlet ProPublica produced approximately fifty articles drawing upon the disclosed information.
The complaint specifically alleges that these publications have:
- Caused substantial reputational damage
- Resulted in financial harm to business interests
- Created public embarrassment for the plaintiffs
- Unfairly tarnished their commercial standing
- Portrayed them in what they claim is a false light
Background of the Tax Return Disclosure
The controversy originates from actions taken by Charles Littlejohn, who prosecutors charged in September 2023 with unlawfully disclosing tax records belonging to Trump and numerous other affluent American citizens to media organisations.
Littlejohn, aged forty, subsequently pleaded guilty to unauthorised disclosure of income tax return information in October 2023 and received a five-year prison sentence in January 2024. Prosecutors indicated his actions were politically motivated.
Unusual Legal Position for Former President
This legal action places Trump in the distinctive position of pursuing litigation against executive branch agencies that he previously oversaw during his presidential administration. The IRS operates as a component of the Treasury Department, creating an unusual dynamic for the lawsuit.
Neither government agency provided immediate commentary regarding the legal filing following business hours. Notably, Treasury Secretary and acting IRS Commissioner Scott Bessent has not been named as a defendant in the proceedings.
Pattern of High-Value Litigation
This lawsuit represents the latest in a series of substantial legal actions initiated by Trump since securing a second presidential term in 2024. The former president has demonstrated a pattern of pursuing litigation against media organisations and publishers for what he perceives as damaging coverage.
Previous high-profile cases include:
- A $15bn lawsuit against the New York Times and Penguin Random House concerning articles and publications Trump claims were designed to undermine his 2024 election prospects
- A separate $10bn legal action against the Wall Street Journal regarding an article discussing birthday greetings for Jeffrey Epstein
- Another $10bn lawsuit directed at the BBC concerning their editing of a speech preceding the January 6th Capitol events
Florida-based attorney Alejandro Brito has been instrumental in filing these various lawsuits, including the recent action against the IRS and Treasury Department. Brito did not provide immediate response to requests for comment following the business day's conclusion.
Potential for Punitive Damages
The plaintiffs have indicated they may pursue punitive damages in addition to the substantial compensation sought, arguing that the tax return disclosures resulted from either deliberate misconduct or constituted gross negligence on the part of the government agencies.
This legal development occurs against the backdrop of ongoing political tensions and highlights continuing controversies surrounding Trump's financial disclosures and media relationships during his post-presidential period.
