DOJ Blocks Tax Audits of Donald Trump, Family and Trusts

On May 19, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a one‑page order that bars the government from pursuing any tax investigations of former President Donald Trump, his family members and his trusts. The order, signed by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, states the United States is “forever barred and precluded” from prosecuting or pursuing the matters.

The filing coincided with the creation of a nearly $2 billion fund tied to a $10 billion lawsuit Trump filed against the Internal Revenue Service, a settlement that critics say could benefit his allies. Legal scholars and Democratic lawmakers have described the order as an abuse of power and potentially unlawful, noting that federal law restricts such actions by the president or senior officials. The move has drawn sharp criticism from both parties, with concerns that it undermines the independence of the tax‑audit process.

The DOJ’s action is being watched for possible challenges and implications for the rule of law surrounding presidential authority and IRS oversight.