Head of IRS to be replaced after Bessent objects to choice of Shapley: Report

The acting head of the IRS, Gary Shapley, is on his way out after Treasury Secretary Scott Besant

voiced his displeasure with not being consulted or notified of the choice of Shapley, who is

backed by Elon Musk. The revelation is coming in a report from the New York Times Friday

citing five anonymous sources familiar with the matter. The Times reports Besant suspects

Musk kept him in the dark over efforts to get Shapley installed as the head of the IRS

even though the agency reports to Besant. Sources say Besant believes Musk's Department

of Government Efficiency went through secretive White House channels to avoid having to consult

him or get his approval. Besant now reportedly has President Trump's permission to find a new

acting commissioner of the IRS, which is likely Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Michael Falkander

Falkander would stay on as IRS head as Trump waits for his permanent nominee to fill the role

former Congressman Billy Long, who still needs Senate approval. Trump just tapped Shapley Tuesday to take over the agency after the previous commissioner Melanie Krause resigned following the Treasury Department compliance with a request from

Immigration and Customs Enforcement to provide IRS taxpayer information to help deport undocumented

immigrants. In a statement to the Times, White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt did not

reveal specific details of the reported disagreement between Musk and Besant, but said

It's no secret President Trump has put together a team of people who are incredibly passionate about the issues impacting our country

Disagreements are a normal part of any healthy policy process. And ultimately, everyone knows they serve at the pleasure of President Trump

The Times report Shapley was still working at the IRS as of Friday morning

The dispute between Musk and Besson, meanwhile, broke into the public sphere Thursday night

as Musk echoed a criticism from Trump ally Laura Loomer, questioning Besson's commitment

to the president's agenda. For more on this story, you can download the Straight Arrow News app or visit us online at san.com