A significant leadership change looms at the Internal Revenue Service as President Donald Trump moves to elevate a key figure from the Hunter Biden investigation.

According to CBS Austin, Gary Shapley, who previously testified about alleged Justice Department interference in the Hunter Biden probe, is set to become the acting director of the IRS, marking a dramatic shift in the agency's leadership.

The announcement follows Shapley's recent promotion to Deputy Chief of IRS Criminal Investigations, a move that coincided with fellow whistleblower Joseph Ziegler's advancement to senior advisor for IRS reform position.

Treasury Department backs whistleblower appointment

The Treasury Department has expressed strong support for Shapley's appointment, emphasizing his extensive experience and commitment to impartial law enforcement. Their endorsement highlights Shapley's 15-year tenure as a civil servant within the IRS.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's March statement praised Shapley's veteran status and outlined expectations for his role in advancing the agency's modernization efforts. The secretary specifically emphasized Shapley's potential contribution to improving collections and customer service initiatives.

The appointment represents a significant victory for whistleblower protection advocates, with Secretary Bessent acknowledging Senator Chuck Grassley's efforts to strengthen such protections within federal agencies.

Congressional response to leadership transition

The House Oversight Committee has responded enthusiastically to the news, publicly celebrating Shapley's appointment on social media platforms. Their statement emphasized the significance of elevating a whistleblower to this prominent position.

Republican Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, a long-time advocate for whistleblower rights, shared his approval through social media. His message highlighted the importance of not only protecting whistleblowers from retaliation but also recognizing their potential for leadership roles.

The appointment has garnered particular attention due to Shapley's role in the Hunter Biden investigation, where he provided crucial testimony to Congress regarding alleged delays in the Justice Department's inquiry.

Justice Department investigation background

Shapley's testimony in 2022 brought significant attention to the Hunter Biden case when he alleged that the Justice Department was deliberately slowing down its investigation into potential wrongdoing.

His statements before Congress raised questions about the handling of the Hunter Biden investigation and highlighted potential issues within the Justice Department's investigative processes. These revelations contributed to increased scrutiny of the case.

The whistleblower's actions, alongside those of Joseph Ziegler, sparked broader discussions about transparency and accountability in federal investigations.

Looking forward to agency reform

Gary Shapley's appointment as acting IRS director marks a pivotal moment in the agency's history, combining his whistleblower background with extensive civil service experience. His elevation to this position follows his crucial role in the Hunter Biden investigation and recent testimony before Congress regarding Justice Department practices.

The Treasury Department and key Republican figures have expressed confidence in Shapley's ability to lead the IRS through its next phase of development. His appointment signals a strong emphasis on transparency, accountability, and systematic reform within one of the nation's most crucial federal agencies.