IRS whistleblowers Gary Shapley and Joe Ziegler, who exposed Hunter Biden’s tax crimes deal and faced repercussions, have now been promoted to key roles at the Treasury Department. This marks a satisfying victory for the seasoned investigators who faced backlash after revealing political interference in their probe into the former first son.
Shapley and Ziegler will assume senior advisory positions under Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, focusing on reforming the tax agency for a year before transitioning into senior leadership roles within the IRS to implement their reform plans.
Describing this as a triumph for whistleblowers everywhere, Ziegler, the lead investigator on the contentious Hunter Biden case, vows to continue championing truth and protecting whistleblowers to uphold democracy. Shapley, his former supervisor, pledges to support the administration’s objectives to benefit the American people.
Treasury Secretary Bessent lauds the appointment of Shapley and Ziegler, emphasizing their role in fostering cultural reform within the IRS to enhance collections, modernization, and customer service for taxpayers. Their promotion is seen as a positive step towards transparency, accountability, and eradicating the culture of retaliation.
Senator Chuck Grassley commends the men for their bravery, expertise, and integrity, stating that their advancement signals the importance of exposing misconduct. Grassley had advocated for the whistleblowers’ placement in leadership positions within the IRS.
Shapley and Ziegler were removed from the Hunter Biden case in 2022 due to alleged obstruction by the Department of Justice and Delaware’s US Attorney, which hindered their investigation progress. They have filed a complaint against six IRS executives for retaliation, awaiting disciplinary action.
Recent findings by the Office of Special Counsel revealed that the IRS unjustly retaliated against Shapley and Ziegler. Despite the challenges, the whistleblowers remain committed to upholding ethical standards and doing what is right.
Their legal representatives, Tristan Leavitt and Jason Foster of Empower Oversight, emphasize that Shapley and Ziegler have always been driven by a sense of duty rather than seeking recognition.
Overall, the whistleblowers’ promotion signifies a positive step towards accountability and integrity within the IRS, guided by their dedication to truth and justice.
Shapley and Ziegler faced isolation, career stagnation, and intense scrutiny, turning their work life into a nightmare, according to Foster. The mention of an image found on Hunter Biden’s laptop resurfaces. Foster commended Bessent for promoting the two whistleblowers to leadership roles within the agency. This opportunity, initiated by Secretary Bessent, will enable them to utilize their expertise and in-depth understanding of the IRS to address longstanding issues within the organization. Grassley also received recognition for his unwavering support of Gary and Joe, along with the commendation of House committee chairmen Smith, Comer, and Jordan for facilitating their assistance to the administration.
Following the collapse of a favorable deal, Hunter, aged 55, faced tax fraud charges in California and pleaded guilty last year. He also faced gun-related felonies in Delaware, resulting in a conviction by a jury. In December, his father granted him a pardon for any offenses committed since January 1, 2014.
