local
Judge says Trump’s IRS lawsuit was filed for ‘improper purpose'
By Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News
· July 13, 2026
· 2 min read
A federal judge has found that President Donald Trump's $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service over the leak of his tax returns was filed for an improper purpose.Judge Kathleen Williams found that President Trump effectively controlled the IRS and treasury as head of the Executi...
Key takeaway Judge Kathleen Williams found that President Trump effectively controlled the IRS and treasury as head of the Executive Branch, which means the parties were not "truly adverse" and that there was "never a case or controversy.
Why this matters in The Waco
The implications of this federal judge's ruling may resonate locally in Waco , where taxpayers and residents expect fairness and accountability in government dealings. The fact that a settlement was reached, allowing the U.S. government to drop tax claims against President Trump, raises questions about the use of taxpayer dollars to resolve disputes. In a community like Waco, where local government and civic leaders strive to allocate resources effectively, the notion that billions of dollars could be earmarked to redress grievances not defined in law may be particularly troubling. As the city and county continue to navigate their own budgetary and financial decisions, the precedent set by this case may inform discussions about transparency and responsible stewardship of public funds. The sanctions imposed on Trump's attorneys also serve as a reminder that even in high-profile cases, the legal profession is expected to uphold certain standards of conduct.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KXXV (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A federal judge has found that President Donald Trump's $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service over the leak of his tax returns was filed for an improper purpose.Judge Kathleen Williams found that President Trump effectively controlled the IRS and treasury as head of the Executi...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 13, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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