Executive editor of The New York Times Dean Baquet said Sunday that he would risk going to jail if it meant the chance to publish a leaked copy of Donald Trump’s tax returns.
Mr. Baquet made the remark during a Harvard University forum alongside Washington Post Associate Editor Bob Woodward, CNN reported.
“If the Post or the Times were to get Donald Trump’s tax returns, would you publish them?” asked Laura Poitras, the filmmaker behind the Oscar-winning documentary “Citizenfour” about NSA leaker Edward Snowden.
Both editors said yes, CNN reported.
Mr. Baquet argued that Mr. Trump’s taxes should be made public because he is “a presidential candidate whose whole campaign is built on his success as a businessman, and his wealth.”
“Some things you have to do. Dean is exactly right. This defines Donald Trump,” Mr. Woodward added.
Mr. Trump has said he won’t release his tax returns because of an ongoing IRS audit, making him the only major party nominee to withhold that information. Mr. Trump’s running mate, Mike Pence, released 10 years of tax returns Friday.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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