General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Forget the 14th Amendment. Here's a foolproof solution to keeping Trump from running again: [View all]StarfishSaver
(18,486 posts)Congress has every right to require federal candidates to do certain things. There is no issue for the Supreme Court to consider.
For example, federal law already requires numerous disclosures of candidates and federal office holders. Even Trump had to - and did - file financial disclosures as a candidate and as president. That is fully within Congress' power and is constitutional without question.
My idea simply adds additional information that must be included in the financial disclosure. Again, that is fully within Congress' power.
This is not a criminal matter and it doesn't affect any candidate's right to be a candidate or to serve. It is a regulatory/administrative matter. And, you are correct, there are currently fines that attach - that wouldn't change.
Trump wouldn't have to comply. If he didn't, he'd pay a fine. Failure to comply with financial disclosure requirements has never been and wouldn't be an impeachable offense.
However, I think that because tax returns are in the possession of the Treasury Department, there could be a provision that requires Treasury to release the returns if the candidate fails to.
But this idea is not nearly as complicated or controversial as you're making it out to be. It's perfectly constitutional and is already within the framework of what's currently done.