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Changes at the IRS: Acting Commissioner Replaced Amid Controversy

In a significant move within the U.S. tax administration, the acting commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is set to be replaced following concerns raised by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Reports indicate that Bessent communicated directly with President Donald Trump, expressing dissatisfaction over the appointment of Gary Shapley as the interim head of the agency. Bessent contends that this move was orchestrated without his prior knowledge and allegedly facilitated by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, as reported by the New York Times.

Sources familiar with the matter indicated that Bessent accused Musk of bypassing him to influence the leadership appointment at the IRS, despite the agency falling under Bessent’s jurisdiction.

Neither the Treasury Department nor the IRS offered immediate comments on the developments, and representatives for Musk also did not provide a response when approached for clarification.

According to reports, Musk’s initiative, dubbed the Department of Government Efficiency, allegedly facilitated the appointment through channels at the White House. However, Bessent claims he was not consulted in the process and subsequently secured Trump’s approval to reverse the appointment decision.

Anticipated to take over as acting head of the IRS is Michael Faulkender, the Deputy Secretary of the Treasury. He is expected to serve in this capacity until former Congressman Billy Long is confirmed by the Senate for the permanent position.

This leadership change follows the resignation of former interim head Melanie Krause, who left the IRS after the agency made headlines for a controversial agreement to share data with federal authorities regarding undocumented migrants.

Source
www.yahoo.com