US judge asks Justice Department: Will you oppose Trump?
A federal judge has questioned whether the Justice Department can legally oppose a $10 billion lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump against the IRS over the 2019 leak of his tax returns, given that the department operates under Trump's authority. The judge raised concerns about the lack of adverseness required for a valid lawsuit, as the government entities defending the case are ultimately subject to the president's direction. The Justice Department has not yet formally responded, prompting the judge to order both sides to clarify their positions and appoint independent attorneys to assess the case's legitimacy.
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For subscribersNews analysisUS judge asks Justice Department: Will you oppose Trump?Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxA lawsuit requires a level of adverseness between the two parties, and there can be no space for a dispute if the opponents are obligated to follow US President Donald Trump's assessment of the law, explained one professor.PHOTO: REUTERSAndrew DuehrenPublished Apr 30, 2026, 08:37 AMUpdated Apr 30, 2026, 08:37 AMWASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump has made no secret of his desire for total control over the historically independent Justice Department, publicly directing prosecutions and declaring that government lawyers must follow his interpretation of the law.It is a norm-busting approach that has resulted in criminal investigations into several…
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