Billionaire investor Warren Buffett on Monday challenged Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump to release his tax returns, offering to meet the billionaire “anytime between now and election” day and host a joint press conference at which reporters can ask the wealthy duo questions about their personal finances.
Speaking at a Hillary Clinton campaign rally in Omaha, Nebraska, Mr. Buffett said the GOP White House hopeful must have something to hide.
“You will learn a whole lot more about Donald Trump if he produces his income tax returns. And so, that’s why I’d like to make him an offer, an offer I hope he can’t refuse,” Mr. Buffett said. “At one point he said, he said it several times that he can’t release it because he’s under audit. I’ve got news for him: I’m under audit, too, and I’d be delighted to meet him any place, anytime, between now and election and I’ll bring my tax return, he can bring his tax return. Nobody is going to arrest us. There are no rules against showing your tax returns, and just let people ask us questions about the items that are on there.”
Mr. Trump has released his personal financial statements but has refused to make his income tax returns public, a practice common among all presidential candidates over the past few decades. Critics have suggested the businessman may not be as wealthy as he claims, or that he’s trying to hide other damaging information contained in his tax returns.
“You’re only afraid if you have something to be afraid about,” Mr. Buffett said.
In her own speech on Omaha, Mrs. Clinton also urged Mr. Trump to release his tax returns.
“It’s time for Trump to stop hiding,” she said.
• Ben Wolfgang can be reached at bwolfgang@washingtontimes.com.
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