Trump calls Supreme Court rulings 'purely political' and rails against 'hellhole' New York as BLM mural painted outside tower

Donald Trump, arms folded tightly across his chest, called a Supreme Court ruling that likely will hand his tax and financial records to a Manhattan district attorney "purely political," and called his hometown of New York a "hellhole" that "everybody is leaving."

The president's comments came when he was asked about a Supreme Court ruling Thursday morning that Manhattan DA Cyrus Vance has a right to obtain tax and financial records from his accounting firm, a potentially damaging ruling against the president and his New York-based business.

The high court sent the case back to lower courts, but many legal experts are predicting Mr Vance eventually will be able to review the documents.

Mr Trump for four years has mounted a mighty legal efforts to keep his tax and financial records secret. His top spokeswoman, Kayleigh McEnany on Thursday contended Mr Trump's tax returns are under audit. But the Internal Revenue Service has never confirmed they are looking into the president's tax information.

"The rulings were basically starting all over again," the president told reporters.

He said to a "certain point" he is satisfied with the court's ruling, but also not happy in another way.

"It's a pure witch hunt, a hoax," he said. "A political witch hunt."

Experts say there is little chance, however, the lower court process will play out in time for Mr Vance to get the documents before Election Day (3 November).

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