Thompson Introduces Bill to Prevent President from Profiting Off Lawsuits Against the U.S. Government

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04), Ranking Member of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Tax, announced legislation to prevent a sitting president from profiting from lawsuits against the United States government.

“President Trump continues to use the Office of the Presidency for personal gain, including by suing the federal government to line his own pockets. That's unacceptable,” said Thompson. “That is why I am introducing legislation that ensures if a sitting president sues our government while in office, they get taxed 100 percent on any money paid to them through a trial or settlement.

"The President holds immense responsibility and influence. It is unacceptable for a president to use that position to financially benefit from the very government they were elected to lead."

BACKGROUND

This legislation would add a new provision to the Internal Revenue Code imposing a 100 percent tax on any civil judgment or settlement paid by the United States to a sitting president or the president’s immediate family, if the legal action was filed while the president was in office. It will be formally introduced to the House of Representatives this week.