The US Supreme Court has heard arguments on whether President Donald Trump should be allowed to keep his financial records secret, in a major showdown over presidential powers.
Trump declines to share documents that could shed light on his fortune and the work of his family company.
Two congressional committees and New York prosecutors demand the release of his tax returns and other information.
Trump's private lawyers argue he enjoys total immunity while in office.
Experts say the ruling will have far-reaching implications for the ability of Congress to scrutinise the activities of sitting presidents and of prosecutors to investigate them.
A decision is expected before the US presidential election in November. A ruling against Trump could mean the release of his personal financial information in the campaign season.
The judges will hear the cases remotely because of the coronavirus pandemic. The Supreme Court has a 5-4 conservative majority and includes two Trump appointees - Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh.
[Source: BBC]
