Trump's Terms Trump is looking to use the IRS for his own political ends. Nixon tried it too
May 12, 2025
The podcast dives into President Trump's controversial use of the IRS for political gain, drawing parallels to Nixon's strategies. It discusses his attempts to trace undocumented immigrants and his threats to revoke Harvard's tax-exempt status. Historical context reveals legislative protections put in place after Watergate, yet recent actions raise alarms about those safeguards. The complexities of tax enforcement are explored, highlighting the challenges faced by the IRS and the implications for public trust.
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Nixon's IRS Misuse Anecdote
- Richard Nixon tried to misuse the IRS by targeting enemies and sparing political allies.
- He also considered threatening universities' tax exemptions over protests, similar to Trump’s actions.
Trump Echoes Nixon's IRS Tactics
- Trump's IRS tactics mirror Nixon's attempts to politicize tax enforcement.
- Nixon’s plans showed how dangerous it is to let presidents use the IRS against opponents.
Protect IRS Data Access Strictly
- Laws after Watergate restrict presidential access to IRS tax return information.
- Protecting IRS data prevents political targeting and preserves rule of law.