New California Law Blocks Trump From State’s Primary Ballot Unless He Releases Tax Returns

All presidential candidates — regardless of political party — must submit five years’ worth of tax returns in order to be eligible for California’s presidential primary ballot in March, according to a new state law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Tuesday. Named the Presidential Tax Transparency and Accountability Act, the law doesn’t directly single out President Donald Trump but is particularly significant given Trump’s consistent refusal to disclose his tax returns. “These are extraordinary times and states have a legal and moral duty to do everything in their power to ensure leaders seeking the highest offices meet minimal standards, and to restore public confidence,” Newsom, a Democrat, said in a statement. “The disclosure required by this bill will shed light on conflicts of interest, self-dealing, or influence from domestic and foreign business interest.” Also Read: Al Sharpton Tweets Old Photo With Then-Friendly Trump After 'Conman' Tweet: 'Different Tune Now' Lawmakers across the U.S. have attempted to circumvent Trump and get his returns into the public record, but past efforts haven’t yet been successful. Last week, Trump filed a lawsuit against the House of Representatives’ Ways and Means Committee, as well as New York’s attorney general and state tax commissioner,...