Two IRS agents who previously claimed they faced backlash for exposing political interference in their investigation of Hunter Biden's tax issues have been promoted by the Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent. Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler, the agents in question, have been appointed as senior advisers for IRS reform, with Shapley also taking on the role of deputy director of criminal investigations.
These promotions contrast sharply with former President Trump's recent decision to withdraw Secret Service protection for Hunter Biden, despite an executive order from his father, former President Joe Biden, to extend it.
In 2023, Shapley and Ziegler alleged that the Department of Justice deliberately delayed the tax investigation into Hunter Biden and claimed they were instructed not to follow leads involving his father. After making these allegations, they were removed from the case but continued to receive their salaries.
Their revelations preceded a series of legal decisions that ultimately led to President Biden pardoning his son for the offenses related to their investigation. Hunter Biden admitted guilt to these charges after a Delaware judge dismissed a plea deal that would have granted him extensive immunity.
Shapley expressed their motivation in a statement, emphasizing their commitment to doing what is right despite numerous challenges. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to use their expertise to help eliminate waste and fraud from the federal government.
In a recent interview, Bessent stated that Shapley and Ziegler have been given a year to investigate misconduct within the IRS, ensuring that similar issues do not arise again. This comes as the IRS plans to significantly reduce its workforce as part of the Trump administration's initiative to streamline the federal government.
The promotions mark a significant change in the agents' relationship with the IRS, following a federal watchdog's confirmation that the agency had retaliated against them by removing them from the Hunter Biden case at the DOJ's behest.
Shapley and Ziegler have also filed a defamation lawsuit against Abbe Lowell, one of Hunter Biden's lawyers, who has denied their claims and labeled them as disgruntled.
Meanwhile, Hunter Biden has recently been allowed by a California judge to drop a lawsuit against a former Trump aide he accused of unlawfully releasing private materials from his laptop. Citing financial difficulties, Biden noted a significant drop in his income due to declining art sales and losing his rented home to fires in Los Angeles.
Michael Kaplan, an accomplished reporter and producer, is known for his investigative work with CBS News, including contributions to "60 Minutes" and other major outlets.