A groundbreaking disclosure has exposed intricate communications between Biden's Treasury Department officials and left-wing organizations during his presidency.
According to Just the News, newly obtained emails through a Freedom of Information Act request reveal extensive collaboration between Treasury officials and progressive nonprofits on tax policies and messaging strategies.
The documents, secured by watchdog group Protect the Public's Trust, demonstrate how Treasury officials actively sought input from organizations like the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and Public Citizen. These communications covered various aspects of tax policy implementation and public messaging strategies during Biden's term.
The email exchanges show Victoria Esser, founder of Belle Haven Consulting, reaching out to Ellen Nissenbaum from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities regarding talking points for former Obama administration Treasury Secretary Jack Lew. The correspondence focused on preparing responses to potential criticism about tax gap numbers and enforcement strategies.
Treasury officials actively engaged with these organizations to develop counter-messaging against Republican criticism. They specifically addressed concerns about IRS enforcement funding and potential Congressional Budget Office scoring outcomes.
The collaboration extended beyond mere consultations, with Treasury officials providing specific quotes and messaging materials for these organizations to use in their public communications.
In May 2022, Treasury's engagement with progressive groups deepened through formal meetings with the deputy secretary. These discussions centered on IRS modernization and equity promotion in tax administration.
The meetings covered crucial policy areas, including the Child Tax Credit program's implementation and strategies for tax enforcement. Treasury officials sought input on fundamental principles that should guide IRS compliance efforts.
Michael Chamberlain, Director of Protect the Public's Trust, shared his perspective:
These documents reveal Treasury officials exhibiting much of the worst of the Biden administration – overreach of statutory authority, outsourcing policy making to outside special interest groups, and dealing harshly with dissenting voices. It's difficult to discern at times where the Biden administration ended and the special interest groups began.
Email exchanges revealed Treasury officials' concerns about potential Republican criticism and their strategic responses. Officials worked closely with progressive groups to prepare defensive messaging about IRS funding and enforcement strategies.
The correspondence showed particular attention to managing public perception of tax enforcement policies. Treasury officials coordinated with these organizations to address criticism about enforcement targeting and resource allocation.
These interactions highlighted the administration's reliance on external progressive organizations for both policy development and public messaging strategies.
The Treasury Department's extensive collaboration with progressive organizations during Biden's presidency has raised significant questions about the influence of special interest groups on federal policymaking. The email exchanges, obtained through FOIA requests, demonstrated how Treasury officials actively sought input and coordination from organizations like the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and Public Citizen on crucial tax policies and messaging strategies.
