Articles in this Cluster
18-04-2025
Gary Shapley, President Donald Trump's pick for acting IRS commissioner, was ousted just days after his appointment, with Michael Faulkender, the deputy secretary of the Treasury, taking over the position. Shapley had the backing of Elon Musk and congressional Republicans, but faced opposition from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's office, which had reservations about his appointment. Bessent expressed confidence in Faulkender, stating that he is "the right man for the moment." Faulkender will be the fifth person to lead the IRS this year, and his appointment comes as the agency awaits confirmation of Trump's pick for full-time commissioner, former Missouri Rep. Billy Long.
Entities: Gary Shapley, Donald Trump, Michael Faulkender, Treasury Department, Elon Musk • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
18-04-2025
IRS employees were allowed to work from home up to eight days per biweekly pay period, with only one day required in-person, under a collective bargaining agreement negotiated between the IRS and its union. The agreement, which was reached last October, was criticized by IRS officials and Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), who argued that it was too lenient and would impede the agency's ability to serve taxpayers. The policy was more generous than the Treasury Department's requirement that at least 40% of IRS employees be in-person. Ernst, who is working with Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency team, expressed outrage that taxpayer dollars were used to fund the union negotiations, which she said resulted in "cushy telework agreements and bloated bonus structures." The IRS had pushed for a six-day telework cap per pay period, but an arbitrator rejected this proposal, citing the need for supervisors to assess individual employees' work portability.
Entities: IRS, President Trump, Sen. Joni Ernst, Treasury Department, Elon Musk • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
18-04-2025
New York Attorney General Letitia James has called allegations of mortgage fraud made by the Trump administration "baseless" and a "revenge tour." James was referring to a criminal referral sent to US Attorney General Pam Bondi alleging she falsified real estate records in Virginia and New York to secure favorable loan terms. James declined to comment further on the allegations, stating she would respond at the "appropriate time and in an appropriate way." She linked the allegations to her office's successful $450 million judgment against Donald Trump and others for exaggerating asset values.
Entities: Letitia James, New York, Trump administration, Donald Trump, US Attorney General • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
18-04-2025
The New York Appellate Division has delayed ruling on Donald Trump's appeal of a $454 million civil fraud penalty for over six months, sparking concerns about potential political interference. The case, brought by state Attorney General Tish James, centered on Trump's dealings with Deutsche Bank, but judges noted that no one was harmed and the bank made money. Trump and others are calling for a swift decision, arguing that the delay is allowing the penalty to grow and is having a chilling effect on New York businesses.
Entities: Donald Trump, New York, New York Appellate Division, Tish James, Deutsche Bank • Tone: negative • Sentiment: negative • Intent: critique
18-04-2025
President Trump has replaced the acting commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service, Gary Shapley, after a power struggle between Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and billionaire Elon Musk. Mr. Bessent complained to Mr. Trump that Mr. Musk had installed Mr. Shapley without his knowledge, and Mr. Trump sided with Mr. Bessent, appointing Michael Faulkender as the new acting leader. Mr. Shapley, a longtime I.R.S. agent, had gained fame among conservatives for claiming that the Justice Department slow-walked its investigation into Hunter Biden's taxes. The clash is the latest instance of Mr. Musk's influence in the Trump administration, which has alarmed top officials.
Entities: Gary Shapley, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Elon Musk, President Trump, Michael Faulkender • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
