Obama can release Trump's tax returns per IRS code

[cinyc]

Even though the President could ask for Trump's tax returns if he wishes, It is a felony, punishable up to 5 years in prison, to release tax return information to people unauthorized to receive it, like the press.  In fact, it's also technically a felony for the press to print or publish purloined tax return information, but that raises First Amendment issues.

[cinyc]

Even though the President could ask for Trump's tax returns if he wishes, It is a felony, punishable up to 5 years in prison, to release tax return information to people unauthorized to receive it, like the press.  In fact, it's also technically a felony for the press to print or publish purloined tax return information, but that raises First Amendment issues.

But none of that precludes him from pulling it, looking at it and then starting "many people are saying" style rumors, right?

Under the law, a report is eventually sent to Congress when the President decides to look at an individual's tax return.  Do you think the Republicans in Congress would let Obama off the hook if rumors start flowing from his office?