Funny I would’ve thought the opposite. Aren’t the transcripts how the IRS records the returns? Trump’s people would likely have the actual long-form returns. Though I suppose it is possible that his attorneys or CPAs with power of attorney could have requested copies of the IRS transcripts for legitimate purposes.
Good question. I wonder if a little forensics might show how the documents were saved, perhaps matching IRS technology at the time (?). Anyway, NY Times won't be saying