What's happened
On April 19, 2025, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent appointed Michael Faulkender as acting IRS commissioner, replacing Gary Shapley. This change follows internal conflicts and controversies surrounding IRS leadership and the handling of investigations into Hunter Biden's taxes. Shapley remains a senior advisor, tasked with reforming the IRS.
What's behind the headline?
Key Insights
-
Leadership Instability: The IRS has seen a rapid turnover in leadership, with Faulkender stepping in after Shapley's brief tenure. This instability raises questions about the agency's direction and effectiveness.
-
Political Influence: The appointment of Faulkender reflects ongoing political maneuvering within the Trump administration, particularly with Musk's Department of Government Efficiency pushing for specific appointments. This suggests a potential politicization of the IRS, which could undermine public trust.
-
Future Implications: Shapley and fellow whistleblower Joseph Ziegler are set to conduct a yearlong investigation into IRS reforms. Their findings could lead to significant policy changes, impacting how the IRS operates and its relationship with the Justice Department.
-
Public Trust: Bessent's statement about restoring trust in the IRS indicates a recognition of the agency's current challenges. The effectiveness of Faulkender's leadership will be crucial in rebuilding this trust, especially amid ongoing scrutiny of IRS practices related to tax information sharing and political investigations.
What the papers say
According to Business Insider UK, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated, "Trust must be brought back to the IRS, and I am fully confident that Deputy Secretary Michael Faulkender is the right man for the moment." This reflects a commitment to stabilize the agency after a tumultuous period. Conversely, the New York Times highlighted the internal conflict, noting that Bessent felt sidelined by Musk's influence in appointing Shapley, which underscores the political tensions affecting IRS leadership. The NY Post reported that Musk's push for Shapley was met with resistance from Bessent, indicating a power struggle within the administration. This multifaceted narrative illustrates the complexities of IRS leadership amid political pressures and public scrutiny.
How we got here
The IRS has faced significant leadership instability, with multiple acting commissioners in recent months. Shapley's appointment was controversial, stemming from his whistleblower testimony regarding the Justice Department's handling of investigations into Hunter Biden. His removal comes amid tensions with Trump advisor Elon Musk over IRS appointments.
Go deeper
- What led to the instability in IRS leadership?
- How will the new IRS reforms impact taxpayers?
- What role does Elon Musk play in these appointments?
Common question
-
What are the latest controversies surrounding Trump administration policies?
The Trump administration has been at the center of several political controversies, particularly regarding public health, immigration, and IRS leadership. As these issues unfold, many are left wondering about the implications and the broader impact on society. Below are some common questions that arise from these developments.
-
Why Did the IRS Leadership Change Amid Controversy?
The recent shakeup in IRS leadership has raised eyebrows and sparked numerous questions about the motivations behind the change. With tensions involving high-profile figures like Elon Musk and ongoing scrutiny of the IRS's handling of sensitive tax investigations, many are left wondering how this will impact the agency's future. Below, we explore key questions surrounding this leadership change and its implications.
More on these topics
-
The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
-
Elon Reeve Musk FRS is an engineer, industrial designer, technology entrepreneur and philanthropist. He is the founder, CEO, CTO and chief designer of SpaceX; early investor, CEO and product architect of Tesla, Inc.; founder of The Boring Company; co-foun
-
Scott K. H. Bessent is an American hedge fund manager. He is the founder of Key Square Group, a global macro investment firm, and worked as a financier for George Soros.
Bessent has been a major fundraiser and donor for Donald Trump. He was an economic ad
-
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
-
The Internal Revenue Service is the revenue service of the United States federal government. The government agency is a bureau of the Department of the Treasury, and is under the immediate direction of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue, who is appointe