Mitt Romney, the 2012 Republican nominee for president, said on Fox News on Wednesday that he believes there may be “a bombshell” to be found in Donald Trump’s tax returns. He also claimed that the real estate heir was “dodging and delaying” on releasing them, which many in the GOP establishment hope could shake up the race.
By questioning Trump’s tax returns, Romney is attempting to call into question an important part of Trump’s appeal, the fact that he’s a successful businessman.
“We could find he doesn’t have anywhere near as much income as we might think he would have with a $10 billion net worth, or he doesn’t pay any taxes or he pays very, very low taxes,” Romney said.
The irony of this is that in the 2012 election, critics dogged then-GOP nominee Romney to release his tax returns for months. The fact that Romney is now calling on the current Republican front-runner is a little strange, to say the least.
Trump struck back against Romney’s claims via Twitter, calling him, “one of the dumbest and worst candidates” in Republican history.
Mitt Romney, who was one of the dumbest and worst candidates in the history of Republican politics, is now pushing me on tax returns. Dope!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 25, 2016
“@conservativevin: @ahernandez85a Romney should have been a tough guy with Obama. He cowered and lost. BADLY! He’s not relevant!”
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 25, 2016
Trump’s insults toward Romney are in line with the barbs he’s tossed toward the other Republican presidential candidates, John McCain and George W. Bush. He first questioned McCain’s heroism for being a prisoner of war and he later claimed Bush lied to the American people about 9/11 and the weapons of mass destruction.
These new insults contrast to statements made defending Romney back in 2012 in an interview with Greta Van Susteren. On the Aug. 7, 2012 show, Trump responded to a question about Sen. Harry Reid’s claims that Romney hadn’t paid taxes in 10 years.
“I think it’s a very strong statement that Harry made,” Trump said. “And I’ve known Harry and I like Harry. But I think it’s a statement that he probably wished he didn’t make. I don’t think there was a source. A lot of people don’t think there was a source. If there was a source, it’s probably not allowed and it’s probably not even legal. I mean, who would be able to do that? Who would be allowed to do that? I don’t think there is a source.”
For his part, Trump remains well in front of Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio after winning the past three primary contests. The billionaire also has a significant lead on Rubio, 44 percent to 28 percent, in his home state of Florida, according to new poll numbers released today.
After hurling the insults at Romney, Trump did eventually say that he would release his tax returns, adding that they’re “extremely complex.”
Cruz, Ohio Governor John Kasich and Rubio have all vowed to release their tax returns soon, also.
Analysts have raised doubts over whether Romney’s attacks will do much to deter Trump, who seems to be firmly in control as the candidates head into Super Tuesday next week. Many in the Republican establishment, people such as Karl Rove, believe that while Trump can still be defeated, although there’s not much time left.
Rove, in a Wall Street Journal op-ed, wrote:
“Donald Trump scored a very impressive win in Nevada, taking 45.9% and 14 of the state’s 30 delegates to the GOP convention. But the Republican nomination is far from settled.”
Featured image screenshot via YouTube
