Rachel Maddow Broke the Law

Although MSNBC's Rachel Maddow believes she was within her First Amendment rights to reveal President Donald Trump's tax returns, she is mistaken.

Sources suggest that Maddow broke the law.

From The Hill:

Disclosing a taxpayer's information without consent is illegal.

From the International Business Times:

Here is what you need to know about the First Amendment and the federal law, which the White House said MSNBC broke:

The First Amendment, which was adopted as part of the Bill of Rights in 1791, to the Constitution reads, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

However, unauthorized disclosure of tax returns falls under felony in the federal law and any violation of the law “shall be a felony punishable by a fine in any amount not exceeding $5,000, or imprisonment of not more than 5 years, or both, together with the costs of prosecution.”

Did Maddow have authorization from Trump to disclose his returns?

No.

Did Trump give permission for his returns to be released?

That is the question.

Find the source of the leak.

If Trump himself didn't give the go-ahead, it appears Maddow and MSNBC have a problem.