Interim IRS commissioner Gary Shapley has been ousted from the role just two days after taking it, the victim of an internal struggle between Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and White House advisor Elon Musk.
Musk backed Shapley for the job, and sources say he bypassed Bessent in getting Shapley the post. Bessent took issue with the appointment, according to reports, and sought President Trump’s approval to undo the decision.
Shapley is the second interim IRS chief for the administration. He was appointed to replace former interim head Melanie Krause, who resigned over political differences with the White House.
Deputy Treasury Secretary Michael Faulkender will now serve as acting head of the IRS while President Trump’s choice for the job, Billy Long, awaits Senate confirmation.
