Two IRS whistleblowers who exposed political interference in the Hunter Biden tax investigation are stepping into leadership roles at the Treasury Department. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced Tuesday that Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler have been appointed as senior advisors, a move aimed at uncovering misconduct and enforcing accountability at the IRS.
Shapley and Ziegler played critical roles in revealing how Biden administration officials obstructed the investigation into Hunter Biden’s tax violations. Their testimony before Congress detailed how routine investigative steps were blocked, charging decisions were delayed and key evidence was ignored. These revelations ultimately derailed a plea deal that would have let Biden’s son off with minimal penalties.
Sec. Scott Bessent Says He Promoted IRS Whistleblowers to Leadership Roles at the Treasury Department
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Bessent, speaking on Fox Business, said he personally recruited the whistleblowers after meeting them at President Donald Trump’s address to Congress. “I decided I would bring them into Treasury, give them a year to investigate the wrongdoing at the IRS and ensure this never happens again,” he said. Shapley will serve as senior deputy for investigations and enforcement.
The decision follows an investigation by the Office of Special Counsel, which found that the IRS had illegally retaliated against Shapley and Ziegler. The report revealed that both men had been improperly removed from the case, silenced with illegal gag orders and sidelined from their work. Investigators concluded that the IRS had no legitimate justification for these actions.
Shapley and Ziegler expressed gratitude for the opportunity to reform the agency. “We have been motivated by one singular mantra: do what’s right,” they said, emphasizing their commitment to eliminating corruption.
Watchdog groups applauded Bessent’s decision, saying Shapley and Ziegler’s firsthand experience with IRS operations will be key in rooting out political interference. Empower Oversight, which represents the whistleblowers, noted that their leadership will help rebuild trust in the agency.
Congressional Republicans have long criticized the IRS for shielding politically connected individuals from scrutiny. With Shapley and Ziegler now overseeing IRS enforcement, the agency’s past handling of high-profile cases is expected to face renewed scrutiny.
