A president suing himself? Why experts say Trump’s $10bn lawsuit might fail

In 2026, Donald Trump, now president again, is suing the U.S. government for $10 billion, alleging the leak of his tax returns during his first term caused "irreparable harm." The lawsuit targets the Treasury Department and the IRS, seeking damages for the actions of Charles "Chaz" Littlejohn, who leaked the returns and is now imprisoned. Legal experts acknowledge the leak was a wrong, but question the viability of Trump's claim, citing ethical implications and the circumstances surrounding the case. The government is expected to seek a swift resolution, though a court date has not been set. The case stems from events in 2017 when Littlejohn, then a government contractor, leaked Trump's tax returns, which Trump had refused to release publicly.

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