Key Takeaways:
- U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent promoted two IRS whistleblowers to leadership roles.
- The whistleblowers, Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler, exposed alleged wrongdoing at the IRS.
- They claimed the IRS treated Hunter Biden leniently and targeted conservatives.
- The whistleblowers faced retaliation after speaking out.
- Secretary Bessent wants to ensure transparency and accountability in the IRS.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent made a bold move this week by promoting two IRS whistleblowers to key leadership roles. This decision comes after the whistleblowers, Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler, exposed alleged corruption within the IRS and faced retaliation for their actions. Secretary Bessent’s announcement highlights a strong commitment to transparency and accountability in government.
Who Are the Whistleblowers?
Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler are former IRS employees who gained attention in 2023 when they testified about alleged favoritism toward Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden. They claimed that Hunter Biden did not pay taxes on millions of dollars from international dealings and received special treatment from Biden-appointed prosecutors.
The whistleblowers also alleged that the IRS unfairly targeted conservatives while helping Democrats hide evidence. They even stated that the Biden administration blocked investigations into Hunter Biden’s activities, including those related to the infamous “laptop” controversy.
What Did the Whistleblowers Reveal?
In a 2024 interview, Shapley and Ziegler shared shocking details about the IRS’s alleged bias. They said:
- The IRS and Justice Department knew about the authenticity of Hunter Biden’s laptop but avoided investigating it before the 2024 election.
- Prosecutors were instructed not to ask about “the big guy,” a term they believed referred to Joe Biden.
- The Biden administration allegedly ignored evidence of wrongdoing by Hunter Biden, including foreign business dealings.
Retaliation Against the Whistleblowers
After coming forward, Shapley and Ziegler faced harassment and retaliation within the IRS. They shared their struggles with Secretary Bessent before President Joe Biden’s address to Congress. Bessent was moved by their story and decided to take action.
Secretary Bessent’s Decision
Secretary Bessent announced that he is bringing Shapley and Ziegler into the Treasury Department to lead an investigation into IRS wrongdoing. Shapley will serve as the Senior Deputy for Investigation and Enforcement. They will work to uncover what went wrong at the IRS and ensure such issues never happen again.
Bessent emphasized the importance of whistleblowers in a democracy. “The culture of being able to come forward when you see wrongdoing is a central part of our democracy,” he said. By promoting Shapley and Ziegler, Bessent is sending a clear message: honesty and courage should be rewarded, not punished.
What’s Next for the Whistleblowers?
Shapley and Ziegler’s new roles give them the power to investigate the IRS and push for reforms. Their primary goal is to ensure fairness and accountability within the agency. They will focus on understanding how Hunter Biden’s case was handled and preventing similar situations in the future.
A Message of Integrity
Secretary Bessent’s decision to promote the whistleblowers is a significant step toward restoring trust in government institutions. It shows that speaking out against wrongdoing can lead to positive change. As Bessent said, “People of integrity and courage are being rewarded for their actions.”
This move could also set a precedent for other whistleblowers to come forward, knowing they will be protected and valued for their bravery.
In conclusion, the promotion of Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler is a powerful statement about the importance of integrity in government. Their new roles will help uncover the truth and ensure the IRS operates fairly for all Americans, regardless of political affiliation. Secretary Bessent’s decision is a step toward a more transparent and accountable government.