IRS Whistleblowers Who Exposed Hunter Biden Bias Promoted

Person holding a whistle on a red lanyard.

IRS whistleblowers who exposed political interference in Hunter Biden’s tax investigation have been promoted to top Treasury Department positions, marking a significant shift from retaliation to recognition under the new administration.

Key Insights

  • Gary Shapley and Joe Ziegler, who faced retaliation after exposing political interference in the Hunter Biden tax case, have been appointed as senior advisers to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
  • Their promotions signal a commitment to whistleblower protection and government accountability after the Office of Special Counsel confirmed they faced illegal retaliation from the IRS.
  • The whistleblowers will focus on reforming the IRS culture before transitioning to senior leadership roles within the tax agency itself.
  • Their disclosures were instrumental in the collapse of Hunter Biden’s plea deal on tax fraud and gun charges, which later led to a controversial pardon by President Biden.
  • Senator Chuck Grassley praised the appointments as a victory for government transparency and accountability.

From Retaliation to Recognition

Gary Shapley and Joe Ziegler, the IRS agents who exposed political interference in the Hunter Biden tax investigation, have been promoted to leadership positions at the Treasury Department. The appointments represent a dramatic reversal of fortune for the whistleblowers who were removed from the Hunter Biden case in December 2022 after reporting obstruction by the Department of Justice and Delaware US Attorney’s office. Now serving as senior advisers to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, they will focus on reforming the tax agency’s culture before moving into senior IRS leadership roles.

The promotions come after both men endured significant professional hardship. After coming forward with their allegations, Shapley and Ziegler were ostracized within the IRS and removed from the Hunter Biden investigation in May 2023. The US Office of Special Counsel later confirmed that the IRS issued illegal gag orders and improperly removed the whistleblowers from the case, validating their claims of retaliation. Despite these challenges, both remained committed to their principles of transparency and accountability.

Vindication Through Leadership

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent praised Shapley and Ziegler’s expertise, citing their unique qualifications to drive meaningful reform within the IRS. Their firsthand knowledge of systemic issues will be instrumental in implementing changes to improve the agency’s operations and restore public trust. Senator Chuck Grassley, a longtime advocate for whistleblower protections, emphasized the significance of their appointments for government accountability. Their promotions send a powerful message about the value of integrity in public service.

Shapley and Ziegler’s revelations played a crucial role in derailing Hunter Biden’s sweetheart deal on tax fraud and gun felonies. Their testimony revealed preferential treatment and obstructed justice in the investigation, ultimately leading to the collapse of the original plea agreement. Despite this vindication, the whistleblowers continue to face legal challenges, including a lawsuit from Hunter Biden claiming unlawful disclosure of his tax returns, and have filed their own defamation lawsuit against Hunter Biden’s lawyer.

A New Chapter for Government Accountability

The whistleblowers expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue serving the American public in their new roles. Their focus on eliminating waste and reforming the IRS demonstrates their ongoing commitment to improving government operations. Jason Foster, founder of Empower Oversight, the organization representing Shapley and Ziegler, praised the appointments as a long-overdue recognition of their integrity and dedication to public service. The promotions stand in stark contrast to the treatment they received under the previous administration.

The Shapley and Ziegler case has broader implications for whistleblower protections throughout the federal government. Their journey from retaliation to recognition highlights the importance of safeguarding those who come forward with evidence of misconduct or corruption. While they have filed a complaint against six IRS executives for retaliation that remains pending, their promotions represent a significant step toward acknowledging the value of whistleblowers in maintaining government integrity and transparency.

Sources:

  1. IRS whistleblowers who investigated Hunter Biden — and were ostracized — are promoted at Treasury Department
  2. Hunter Biden whistleblowers get promoted by Trump after Biden-era retaliation

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