The Guardian • 1/30/2026

Donald Trump has initiated a $10 billion lawsuit against the U.S. Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in a Miami federal court. The lawsuit, filed on Thursday, alleges that these agencies did not implement necessary safeguards to prevent the unauthorized disclosure of his tax returns by former IRS contractor Charles Littlejohn to various media outlets, including the New York Times and ProPublica, during 2019 and 2020. This legal action underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding privacy and the handling of sensitive financial information, particularly for high-profile individuals. The case reflects broader concerns about governmental accountability and the protection of personal data from leaks, especially in an era where media scrutiny is intense. Trump's lawsuit also highlights the intersection of politics and media, as it accuses the IRS of failing to safeguard against perceived biases in the media landscape. The implications of this case extend beyond Trump, as it raises questions about the integrity of federal agencies and their ability to protect taxpayer information, which could resonate with many Americans who value privacy and security in their financial matters. This situation may also reignite discussions about the role of whistleblowers and the ethical responsibilities of contractors handling sensitive data.
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