US President Trump dismisses key official!
US President Donald Trump has dismissed Acting IRS Commissioner Gary Shapley, appointing Michael Faulkender, an aide to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, in his place. This change follows disputes over Shapley's initial appointment.
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US President Donald Trump has terminated the tenure of Acting Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner Gary Shapley, replacing him with Michael Faulkender, an aide to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
(Gary Shapley)
As reported by The Washington Post, sources familiar with the situation stated that Trump dismissed Shapley, who had been appointed just days earlier, and turned to a new candidate.
In a statement released by the Treasury Department, it was confirmed that Faulkender, an aide to Bessent, would be appointed as the new acting commissioner of the IRS, replacing Shapley.
With this change, Faulkender becomes the third person to be appointed to lead the IRS within the week.
(Michael Faulkender)
Sources who requested anonymity reported that Treasury Secretary Bessent complained to Trump earlier in the week, stating that although the IRS falls directly under his jurisdiction, Elon Musk was "overstepping his bounds" by attempting to appoint Shapley as acting commissioner.
Individuals familiar with the relationship between the two parties alleged that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) bypassed Bessent and used connections at the White House to secure Shapley's appointment, and that Bessent subsequently obtained Trump's approval to reverse this decision.
An IRS spokesperson declined to comment on the leadership change.
"TRUST IN THE IRS MUST BE RESTORED"
In a statement regarding the matter, Secretary Bessent said, "Trust in the IRS must be restored, and I have full confidence that Deputy Secretary Michael Faulkender is the right person for this role."
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt remarked, "Disagreements are a normal part of a healthy policy process," adding, "Ultimately, everyone knows they serve at the pleasure of President Trump."
Meanwhile, the Senate's confirmation is awaited for Billy Long, whom Trump has nominated for the position of IRS Commissioner.
Trump had appointed Shapley as Acting IRS Commissioner following the resignation of the previous acting commissioner, Melanie Krause, on April 15.