Donald Trump said White House officials have 'sort of ideas' about who may have leaked information (AP)

Republicans have blocked an attempt by Democrats to force Donald Trump to release his tax returns to Congress.

Democratic representative Bill Pascrell of New Jersey said Congress has a responsibility to hold the executive branch "to the highest standard of transparency to ensure the public interest is placed first".

Mr Pascrell and other Democrats said the tax returns would help legislators and the public determine whether Mr Trump has any investments in Russia.

The president has said he has no investments in Russia, and Democrats acknowledged they have no evidence otherwise.

They said that is one reason they want to obtain access to his returns.

The Republican-controlled House of Representatives approved majority leader Kevin McCarthy's motion to postpone Mr Pascrell's proposal indefinitely. The vote was 229 to 185.

Online Editors