Judge Rules Trump IRS Lawsuit Was an Improper Court Tactic

A federal judge denounced Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS as an improper bid to ‘manipulate’ the court and legitimize a private deal that would shield Trump and family from past tax claims and earmark billions for those claiming a politicized justice system; Williams barred citing the settlement in official proceedings and warned of possible sanctions for the lawyers involved and some DOJ officials. While not striking down the private agreement, she cast doubt on its practical impact and highlighted bipartisan backlash over the plan, including questions about the conduct of acting attorney general Todd Blanche. The underlying suit—over leaked tax filings—was withdrawn after the deal was announced.