Big Move in One State Could Keep Trump Off 2020 Ballot

Rhode Island bill would make all presidential hopefuls release tax returns to get on ballot
By Jenn Gidman,  Newser Staff
Posted Jun 22, 2018 9:01 AM CDT
Updated Jun 22, 2018 9:11 AM CDT
Rhode Island Bill Could Force Trump's Hand on Tax Returns
President Trump speaks during a Cabinet meeting at the White House on Thursday in Washington.   (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Gayle Goldin wants to make sure future presidential candidates fully reveal any potential conflicts of interest. That's why the Democratic state senator from Rhode Island is now sponsoring a bill that would require Oval Office hopefuls to release five years' worth of tax returns—meaning President Trump could see his name kept off that state's ballot if he doesn't comply during his reelection run, per the Hill. The Providence Journal reports that the bill, which would have the same stipulation for VP candidates, has already passed the state Senate in a 34-3 vote and is now headed to the House.

Goldin notes that until Trump, no presidential candidate since Richard Nixon had balked at voluntarily providing their tax returns. Although the bill sailed through the Democratic-controlled Senate, not all Rhode Islanders are happy about it. GOP state Sen. Elaine Morgan argues that state lawmakers don't have the same tax-return mandate, while Joe Trillo, an independent running for governor (and former chief of Trump's 2016 campaign there) goes a bit further. He says Goldin should be "ashamed" for trying to get passed "one of the most absurd things I've ever heard of," per the AP. (More President Trump stories.)

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