The Differences Between Requesting Obama's Birth Certificate and Trump's Tax Returns

In the realm of political transparency, the asking for an individual's birth certificate versus requesting their tax returns serves as a stark example of differentiating between the establishment norms and political scandal. This article aims to elucidate the differences and provide context around these requests.

Requesting a Birth Certificate

The Obama administration#39;s release of his long-form birth certificate was largely a reaction to baseless claims made by those opposing his presidency. It is important to note that no U.S. president prior to Barack Obama was required to present their birth certificate to the public. For Obama, the release came after years of scrutiny and accusations of being born in Kenya, which were rooted in racial prejudice and conspiracy theories. The 2008 release was a response to these claims, and it was accompanied by efforts to dispel any lingering doubts.

The Obama birth certificate was released in April 2008, and it was verified by Hawaii's Department of Health. This act put an end to the speculations about Obama's place of birth, as all evidence pointed to him being born in the United States. The request for this birth certificate was, in essence, a racial issue, with no legitimate reason for such demands on any white president.

Requesting Tax Returns

On the other hand, requests for President Donald Trump's tax returns have stemmed from legitimate concerns about transparency and accountability. Unlike birth certificates, tax returns are a commonplace piece of information that reflects a sitting president's financial dealings. Every sitting president since Lyndon B. Johnson has voluntarily released their tax returns, and some even released returns while still running for office.

President Trump, however, never followed this tradition. Instead, he promised to release his tax returns within two weeks of his inauguration, a promise that he broke. There were unfounded rumors stating that he was under audit, which he later admitted to be false. Moreover, his tax returns have not been audited despite the requirement for all sitting presidents to have their returns verified annually. The reluctance and subsequent withholding of Trump's tax returns raised significant suspicion about potential financial impropriety and tax evasion.

Public and Historical Context

The public and historical context surrounding these requests is crucial. For instance, during Nixon's presidency, the release of tax returns became a spontaneous tradition among candidates to establish transparency and credibility. Each presidential candidate, starting with Nixon, has traditionally made prior tax returns public, emphasizing their financial integrity and political honesty. Trump's refusal to release his tax returns during the campaign and afterwards was a significant point of contention and suspicion.

In addition to the voluntary precedent set by previous administrations, there were legal and regulatory requirements for tax returns. Since the Johnson administration, all sitting presidents have had their returns audited annually. This requirement stood in stark contrast to Trump's inaction and avoidance of such auditing. His tax returns have not been audited despite this obligation, leading to a critical scrutiny of his financial practices and tax compliance.

Conclusion

The differences between the requests for Obama's birth certificate and Trump's tax returns underscore the importance of understanding the context and tradition of political transparency in the United States. While Obama's birth certificate request was a matter of racial prejudice and conspiracy theories, Trump's tax returns became a symbol of accountability and financial scrutiny. The release of accurate and audited tax returns can instill public trust and demonstrate a commitment to ethical governance, unlike the obfuscation and evasive actions seen during Trump's tenure.