Locals march to pressure President Trump to release his taxes

Locals and visitors participating in the Tax March said it’s more than just about seeing President Trump’s 1040 form.

“He asked for Obama’s birth certificate but he won’t reveal his tax returns,” said Kayla Garvais of Santa Cruz.

As the deadline to file taxes is approaching more than 1000 people filled downtown Santa Cruz with a tax request of their own for President Trump.

“I think it’s really important that Trump releases his taxes because we think he has something to hide,” said Mary McKenna of Aptos.

The group said they’re not interested in how much money he made, just what his income sources are.

“He has business interest all over the world,” said Santa Cruz Indivisible Co-founder Carson Kelly. “We have no idea how far, how deep they are. If his choices are being made in the best interest of the country or the best interest of his pocketbook.”

Some said especially in the areas of money laundering, big oil deals and even rounding up immigrants.

“I feel like our democracy is for sale,” said McKenna.

“if he’s putting his own business interest first or his friends business interest first at the expense of American jobs, I think that’s something that the American people need to know,” said Garvais.

Trump has refused to release his personal taxes. Reasons include that the American people don’t really care to see them and that they’re being audited.

“You never give a tax return when you’re being audited,” said Trump. “I get audited every single year.”

Some protestors marching in the event led by Santa Cruz Indivisible said although they do not believe the president will release his 1040, they think continuing to march will start important conversations.

“If we look at the fact that Devin Nunes did finally initiate an investigation into Trump’s Russian ties, I think that was directly linked to resistance and protests against Trump,” said McKenna.

Future marches are being planned for the environment and science.