Avoid politicizing IRS, uphold agency's impartiality and integrity

The recent news about President Trump appointing Gary Shapley, a whistleblower in the Hunter Biden investigation, as acting IRS commissioner raises concerns about the potential politicization of federal agencies. While Shapley's allegations deserve scrutiny, elevating him to lead the IRS seems like an overtly partisan move that could undermine public trust in the agency's impartiality. The IRS should operate independently and enforce tax laws without regard to political affiliations or agendas. Appointing Shapley, whose criticisms of the Justice Department aligned with Republican narratives, risks transforming the IRS into a tool for settling political scores rather than upholding the integrity of the tax system. This decision could also discourage career civil servants from coming forward with legitimate whistleblower complaints for fear of being seen as politically motivated. The American people deserve an IRS commissioner committed to non-partisan tax administration in the public interest. Putting a vocal critic of the previous administration in this powerful position threatens to corrode faith in the fairness of the IRS and sets a concerning precedent.