The US Department of Justice quietly released a filing on Tuesday that permanently bars the IRS from auditing President Donald Trump, his family members, and associated trusts and businesses. The one-page addendum expands a settlement reached Monday in Trump's $10 billion lawsuit over leaked tax returns.
According to the document, the IRS is "forever barred and precluded" from pursuing any tax examinations of the president, "related or affiliated individuals," and related entities. The waiver applies to all tax returns submitted before the settlement took effect.
The addendum was signed by Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche, who was not among the signatories of the original agreement. The Justice Department stated the waiver is standard practice in settlements.
The settlement also created a $1.776 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" financed by taxpayers, intended to compensate individuals who claim politically motivated investigations. Democrats and ethics groups have criticized the fund's lack of oversight.