Gary Shapley, who was recently appointed as the acting commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service by President Donald Trump, has been replaced by Michael Faulkender, the deputy secretary of the Treasury. The unexpected change was first reported by The New York Times. This swift transition follows a tumultuous week at the IRS, with Shapley’s appointment causing concern among career civil servants. The outgoing acting commissioner, Melanie Krause, announced Shapley’s elevation before stepping down herself.

Shapley, a former IRS criminal investigator known for his whistleblower testimony regarding the investigation of Hunter Biden, faced scrutiny for alleged partisan bias claims. Faulkender now steps in as the fifth leader of the IRS this year, following Krause’s resignation over a controversial data-sharing deal. Trump’s nominee for full-time commissioner, Billy Long, awaits Senate confirmation.

Faulkender’s background in economic policy at the Treasury Department and his responses to Senate inquiries reveal his commitment to fair tax enforcement and protection of taxpayer privacy. He aims to uphold the IRS’ integrity and safeguard against improper interference in audits and investigations. Faulkender’s assurances to address concerns of political influence on the IRS reflect his dedication to upholding tax laws impartially and in compliance with statutory protections.

As this situation continues to develop, Faulkender’s appointment signifies a pivotal moment for the IRS and its mission to maintain taxpayer trust and privacy rights. Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving story.