The IRS is once again retaliating against one of the whistleblowers who came forward with allegations of IRS misconduct in the handling of the Hunter Biden Case, a direct violation of IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel’s sworn testimony before the House Ways and Means Committee to protect the rights of whistleblowers.
The IRS is now demanding in a written letter that IRS whistleblower Gary Shapley either accepts a demotion from his current position, or decide to resign in the next 15 days.
The IRS letter was sent within one hour of investigative reporter Catherine Herridge’s interview with whistleblowers detailing the retaliation they’ve faced from the agency, according to a post on X from Shapley’s lawyer. Shapley’s lawyer also alleges that the IRS sat on the letter for two weeks before sharing the letter, citing the letter being dated to October 15th.
“Less than an hour after @C__Herridge posted this story yesterday about the retaliation against the IRS whistleblowers, the IRS sent SSA Shapley this notice telling him he had 15 days to choose whether to be demoted or to resign. (Apparently they were sitting on it for two weeks before the story.),” Shapley lawyer, Tristan Leavitt posted.
Below is the full post:
House Chairmen Demand Answers from the IRS
House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.), Committee on the Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), and Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith (R-Mo.) released a joint statement demanding from the IRS regarding the new allegations of retaliation against whistleblowers.
“SSA Shapley’s and SA Ziegler’s whistleblowing took courage and bravery. Because of their important disclosures, Americans learned how the IRS treats individuals differently based upon their last names. They made lawfully protected disclosures to Congress that resulted in unrelenting personal and professional attacks on them. But they have not wavered. As this case has rightfully garnered significant public attention, OSC must show the whistleblower community that OSC will take appropriate and immediate action to stand up for whistleblowers,” wrote the chairmen.