Thread by @KimZetter

Really thoughtful explanation from @propublica about why they're publishing tax info for the wealthiest Americans, which they received from an anonymous source. They considered that the info might come from "a state actor hostile to American interests." propublica.org/article/why-we…

"Many will ask about the ethics of publishing such private data. We are doing so—quite selectively and carefully—because we believe it serves the public interest in fundamental ways...[to disclose] tax returns of ppl like Jeff Bezos, Michael Bloomberg, Warren Buffett, Elon Musk"

"While the revelations in today’s story are extraordinary, the procedures..used in assessing the data’s value are standard..nearly everyone who provides material to a reporter is doing so in ways that reflect their...agenda....those motives are irrelevant if the info is reliable"

Here's the actual story: In 2007 and 2011 Jeff Bezos didn't pay a penny in federal income tax. In 2018 Elon Musk paid no federal tax. Michael Bloomberg did the same in recent years, as did George Soros who paid no federal income tax three years in a row. propublica.org/article/the-se…