Democratic Rep. Maxine Waters (Calif.) argued Monday night that taxes are too high for most Americans during an interview with MSNBC host Chris Hayes.
Waters appeared on Hayes' show, "All In," to discuss President Trump's refusal to release his tax returns. The White House has stated that Trump will not release his tax returns because he is under audit by the IRS.
Trump broke with a long-standing tradition for presidential candidates and sitting presidents by not releasing his taxes.
Over the weekend, critics of the president participated in "tax marches" across the country to put public pressure on the president to release his tax returns. Waters spoke at a tax march event in Washington.
While on MSNBC, Waters was asked to respond to Trump's explanation for not releasing his tax returns. She argued that no one believes the president.
"Well, of course nobody believes that," Waters said. "This president is hiding something. That is what we believe."
Waters added that she believes Trump "maybe hasn't paid any [taxes] for 10 or 12 years." Trump's 2005 tax return was leaked earlier this year, showing that he earned $153 million and paid $36.5 million in income taxes that year.
Later in her answer, Waters said that many Americans are struggling to pay their taxes.
"Americans are all over this country, many are struggling to pay their taxes," Waters said. "Middle income people, working people, and many have to pay taxes that they can't afford."
Waters then argued that the president is laughing at the American people.
"They are struggling to pay their taxes, and this president is basically laughing at us because, remember, during the campaign he said, I pay no taxes. And I believe that, and many people believe that," Waters said. "It's unfortunate. He could show his taxes if he wants to show his taxes. He is hiding a lot from the American people."
Waters tweeted Tuesday that she will continue to fight Trump until he is impeached.
The President is a liar, his actions are contemptible, & I'm going to fight everyday until he's impeached.
— Maxine Waters (@MaxineWaters) April 18, 2017