Clinton berates Trump over tax reports

Donald Trump has come under pressure after reports emerged that he has not paid any income tax in the last 18 years, as rival presidential candidate Hillary Clinton swooped in to heavily criticise the New York hotel developer.

The New York Times reported that Trump had not paid any taxes on his businesses since he made a $1bn loss in 1995.

Speaking at a campaign rally in Ohio on Monday, Democrat Clinton laid into Trump, and referred to him as a representative of a "rigged system".

"Trump represents the same rigged system that he claims he's going to change," Clinton said.

"Trump was taking from America with both hands and leaving the rest of us with the bill. When it comes to bullying small businesses, Donald Trump is the poster boy."

Previously on her campaign and during last week's televised debate, Clinton repeatedly questioned the Republican nominee on the issue of his tax returns, which remain unreleased despite decades of precedent from White House candidates.

Trump has defended his tax practices, and in response to the New York Times' piece, he said it was a sign of his business acumen.

"I understand the tax laws better than almost anyone," he said, and added that as a businessman, he had "legally used the tax laws to my benefit and and to the benefit of my company".

With around one month to go until the US presidential election on November 8, The New York Times article comes at an uncomfortable time for Trump, especially with Sunday's second television debate approaching fast.