Washington, D.C. — In a swift and unexpected move, the IRS has removed its recently appointed acting commissioner, who is known for blowing the whistle on the handling of the Hunter Biden tax investigation, just days after taking the helm.
The official, whose brief appointment raised eyebrows across Washington, was reportedly reassigned from the position amid internal tensions and political scrutiny surrounding the ongoing probes into President Joe Biden’s son. The whistleblower had previously alleged interference and favoritism in the IRS and Department of Justice’s investigation into Hunter Biden’s tax affairs.
The decision to remove him so quickly has sparked concern among lawmakers and watchdog groups, with some raising questions about whether the move is retaliatory in nature or intended to shield the administration from further scrutiny.
“The timing of this reassignment is extremely suspicious,” said one congressional aide familiar with the matter. “To place someone in a key role with deep knowledge of potential misconduct and then immediately remove them sends the wrong message about transparency and accountability.”
Though the IRS has not officially commented on the reasons behind the shake-up, sources within the agency suggest the whistleblower’s presence in such a high-profile role became politically untenable, particularly as the Hunter Biden investigation remains a lightning rod for partisan conflict.
The whistleblower had been a central figure in revealing details about alleged efforts to delay or downplay the tax case, which has included testimony before Congress. His revelations prompted renewed calls for oversight of the Justice Department and the IRS’s internal processes.
While his reassignment doesn’t eliminate his protected whistleblower status, critics warn that it may discourage others from coming forward with important information.
The reshuffle comes at a delicate time for the Biden administration, which has sought to distance itself from the Hunter Biden controversies amid an election year. Republicans have seized on the whistleblower’s removal to argue that the administration is interfering with investigations to protect the president’s son.
As the dust settles, it remains unclear what role, if any, the former acting commissioner will continue to play within the IRS — or whether his removal will reignite broader concerns about the independence of federal investigative bodies in politically sensitive cases.
