A member of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) visited the IRS offices in Washington to prepare for an audit of the agency. This marks the first time a Musk aide entered the IRS building, fueling concerns about potential cuts to the tax agency. The DOGE, part of efforts to reduce federal government size, has recently been involved in job cuts across federal agencies. While the IRS has not announced any immediate operational changes, DOGE’s involvement raises fears that cuts could affect the agency’s ability to collect taxes and process refunds.
Musk’s audit of the IRS was authorized by President Trump, and during the visit, DOGE member Gavin Kliger inquired about the IRS’s operations and workforce. While no layoffs have been announced, concerns about the impact on the IRS’s efficiency remain, especially as it is currently in the middle of the tax filing season. Musk had previously polled users on social media, with a significant majority supporting an IRS audit.
Critics, including Democratic Senator Ron Wyden, worry about the potential for delays in taxpayer refunds, while others, like former Trump adviser Christian Whiton, see the scrutiny of the IRS as justified. Trump has said that while the IRS will be reviewed like any other agency, he doesn’t expect DOGE to shut it down.
https://www.newsweek.com/elon-musk-doge-begins-irs-audit-2031156