Shapley Ousted Amid IRS Leadership Turmoil

Gary Shapley, a prominent IRS whistleblower, was removed as acting IRS commissioner just days after his appointment, making him the fifth IRS leader since January. His removal followed a power struggle between Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trump adviser Elon Musk, who had pushed for Shapley's installation without Bessent's approval. Bessent successfully lobbied President Trump to appoint Deputy Treasury Secretary Michael Faulkender as acting commissioner instead. Shapley, known for his role in the Hunter Biden tax probe, will remain as a senior adviser. The episode highlights ongoing internal conflicts at the IRS, including disputes over agency direction and controversial data-sharing policies with immigration authorities. Former Rep. Billy Long remains Trump’s nominee for permanent IRS commissioner, but his confirmation faces scrutiny over his financial dealings.