Here’s what Trump is planning to do.
President Donald Trump revealed Saturday that he is considering a major move in his ongoing $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service—one that could send settlement money to charity instead of into his own pocket.
The lawsuit, filed earlier this week, accuses the IRS of unlawfully leaking Trump’s confidential tax returns in what his legal team says was a politically motivated violation of long-standing federal privacy protections. Those laws are meant to safeguard the personal financial information of all Americans.
Trump’s attorneys have previously told Fox News that a “rogue, politically motivated” IRS contractor illegally disclosed private tax data involving Trump, his family, and the Trump Organization. That information was later published by outlets including The New York Times and ProPublica.
Speaking with reporters aboard Air Force One on Saturday, Trump said he is now considering settling the case and directing any proceeds to what he described as “established and respected charities.”
“We’re thinking about doing something for charity,” Trump explained. “It could be a substantial amount, and it would go to very good causes.”
The president indicated that taking the money himself could shift attention away from the broader issue. He noted that advisers have urged a charitable route, explaining that keeping the funds personally would likely invite unnecessary criticism.
According to Trump, the idea has received positive feedback. “A lot of people said it’s a great idea,” he noted. “Nobody really cares about the number if it goes to good charities.”
Trump mentioned the American Cancer Society as one possible beneficiary, though he said multiple charities could be included if a settlement is reached.
The lawsuit itself argues that the IRS disclosures were illegal and damaging—not just to Trump personally, but to public trust in federal agencies tasked with protecting sensitive taxpayer information.
The case centers on former IRS contractor Charles Littlejohn, who pleaded guilty in October 2023 to unauthorized disclosure of tax return information. He is currently serving a five-year federal prison sentence.
Littlejohn acknowledged that he unlawfully obtained and shared President Trump’s tax records with The New York Times, and also disclosed sensitive tax data involving high-net-worth individuals to ProPublica. The lawsuit further states that during a 2024 deposition, Littlejohn confirmed the leaked documents contained extensive details related to Trump’s full range of business interests.
The case has renewed debate over government accountability, taxpayer privacy, and whether federal agencies are being used for political purposes—issues that continue to resonate strongly with voters concerned about fairness, transparency, and equal treatment under the law.