IRS Chief Counsel Removed Amid DOGE's Job Cuts, Data Access Push

Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has ousted IRS acting chief counsel William Paul amid controversial efforts to access sensitive taxpayer information, including data on undocumented immigrants. Paul's removal follows clashes with DOGE over sharing taxpayer records, reflecting broader resistance within the IRS to these initiatives. His replacement, Andrew De Mello, is viewed as more aligned with DOGE's goals. The IRS is also planning significant workforce cuts, potentially reducing staff by nearly 20 percent, which has raised concerns among employees about the agency's ability to process tax returns. Critics argue these moves could undermine the agency's integrity and legal protections surrounding taxpayer data. This shift is part of a larger trend of departures and demotions among federal employees who challenge DOGE's access to sensitive information.