In a recent exclusive interview on FOX Business' "Mornings with Maria," U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent unveiled plans to integrate two former Internal Revenue Service (IRS) whistleblowers into leadership roles within the Treasury Department. Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler, who were previously targeted for their involvement in investigating tax evasion allegations against Hunter Biden, will now serve as senior advisors. Their mission involves uncovering misconduct at the IRS and ensuring fair practices moving forward. This decision aims to address concerns over political influence within the agency and reinforce its commitment to impartiality.
Secretary Bessent's announcement marks a significant step toward restoring trust in the IRS. Shapley, once a senior supervisory special agent, and Ziegler, a former special agent, faced retaliation after exposing potential corruption linked to high-profile individuals. During his interview, Bessent emphasized that these advisors would spend a year examining the systemic issues plaguing the IRS before rejoining it in elevated capacities. Specifically, Shapley is slated to become the senior deputy for investigations and enforcement, underscoring the administration's determination to enforce accountability.
This development follows scrutiny from House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith, who criticized the IRS for punishing Shapley and Ziegler. According to Smith, the investigators were retaliated against merely because their work implicated President Biden. The Office of Special Counsel confirmed that illegal gag orders and improper removals hindered their efforts. In response, Bessent condemned such actions, labeling them as unjustifiable obstacles to dedicated civil servants performing their duties. He pledged to ensure that no individual, regardless of political affiliation or power, escapes scrutiny under the law.
Bessent's vision extends beyond rehabilitating Shapley and Ziegler; it includes transforming the IRS culture fundamentally. By embedding these experienced professionals within the Treasury Department, he hopes to foster an environment where integrity and fairness prevail. This initiative seeks not only to rectify past wrongs but also to prevent future injustices, promoting transparency across all levels of government operations.
The integration of Shapley and Ziegler into key roles represents a pivotal moment for the IRS and the broader federal bureaucracy. It signals a renewed dedication to upholding ethical standards and ensuring equitable treatment for all citizens. As these advisors delve into uncovering the root causes of prior misconduct, they are poised to lay the groundwork for lasting reforms. Ultimately, their efforts aim to bolster public confidence in the IRS and reaffirm its role as a guardian of fiscal responsibility and justice.