Trump Appoints Gary Shapley, Hunter Biden Whistleblower, as Acting IRS Commissioner Amid Agency Reforms

President Donald Trump has appointed Gary Shapley as the acting commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), according to multiple sources and an internal memorandum reviewed by Bloomberg Tax. Shapley, who previously served as the deputy chief of IRS Criminal Investigations, gained public attention for his whistleblower testimony regarding the investigation into Hunter Biden's taxes. Alongside Shapley, another IRS investigator, Joseph Ziegler, also testified about the case and has been assigned to the Treasury Secretary's office as a senior adviser for IRS reform. Shapley's appointment follows the resignation of Melanie Krause, the previous acting commissioner, amid controversy over a data-sharing agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This move positions Shapley to lead the IRS temporarily, as former Missouri Congressman Billy Long awaits Senate confirmation to become the permanent IRS commissioner. The appointment of Shapley, who has been vocal about alleged political interference in the Hunter Biden case, signals potential shifts in oversight and accountability within the IRS. His role as acting commissioner could influence the agency's approach to ongoing investigations and reforms. Notably, Hunter Biden was pardoned by his father, President Joe Biden, for federal felony gun and tax charges, including failing to pay at least $1.4 million in taxes.