Trump's IRS Acting Commissioner Out Just Days After Appointment
Gary Shapley’s brief tenure at the helm ends, with Michael Faulkender stepping in as the new acting commissioner amidst opposition and leadership instability.
Trump's recent appointment of Gary Shapley as acting commissioner of the IRS has been short-lived. Just days after the announcement, Shapley, who had garnered support from Elon Musk and congressional Republicans, was ousted from the role.
The position will now be filled by Michael Faulkender, the deputy secretary of the Treasury, according to sources. This move represents a victory for Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's office, which had opposed Shapley's appointment. Faulkender, a Treasury veteran, will temporarily lead the IRS, and Bessent has expressed confidence in his ability to restore trust in the agency.
Shapley, a key figure in the Hunter Biden investigation, was celebrated by Republicans for his whistleblower testimony and his previous role in IRS criminal investigations. However, his swift removal marks the end of a tumultuous week for the IRS. Just days after Shapley was named acting commissioner, the outgoing commissioner, Melanie Krause, announced the transition via an agency-wide email. While Shapley has been praised for his work, Bessent emphasized that trust must be rebuilt at the IRS, adding that Shapley would remain an important senior advisor within the Treasury Department.
Faulkender's appointment comes at a crucial time for the IRS, which has faced leadership instability.
This marks the fifth leadership change at the IRS in 2025, with former Missouri Rep. Billy Long still awaiting Senate confirmation as the permanent commissioner. Faulkender's approach to the IRS has been shaped by his previous work at the Treasury, where he expressed a commitment to impartiality and protecting taxpayer privacy. As acting commissioner, Faulkender will work to transition the IRS towards a more effective and efficient agency.
Source: My Daily Grind News