Donald Trump's bid to secure tax audit immunity through a controversial IRS settlement has been thrown out by a federal judge, who also referred one of his lawyers for possible disciplinary action. The ruling centres on a $1.8bn (£1.3bn) arrangement that the court said was never a proper legal dispute.
The decision intensifies scrutiny of a deal that had already triggered criticism over whether Trump, who as president oversees the IRS, was effectively on both sides of the case. It also leaves the settlement terms in jeopardy and could reopen the path for future tax audits.
