Multiple US media outlets reported on April 19 that according to知情 sources, US President Trump is about to replace the acting director of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) again. Gary Sharp, who was appointed to this position, has only held the post for three days.

Michael Fokund, the deputy secretary of the Treasury Department, is expected to take over this position, becoming the fifth person to hold this position this year. The personnel change in this position has occurred three times within a week.

The formal nominee for the IRS director position by Trump is Billy Long, a former Republican congressman from Missouri. However, he has not been confirmed by the Senate. Before his official appointment, his work will be carried out by the acting director.

Sharp testified on C-SPAN TV Network

A source familiar with the matter said that after leaving office, Sharp is expected to continue as a senior official in the IRS criminal investigation division.

Behind the Nomination of the Acting Director of the IRS: A Power Struggle Between the US Treasury Secretary and Musk

Bosent made a statement at 3:00 PM on the afternoon of the 18th, saying: "It is necessary to restore trust in the IRS, and I fully believe that Deputy Secretary Michael Fokund is the right person for this position at this time."

In the statement, Bosent also praised Sharp's "enthusiasm" and "thoughtful actions," and said he remains an important advisor.

According to reports by The New York Times, sources familiar with the matter said that Sharp's previous appointment triggered a power struggle between US Treasury Secretary Scott Bosent and billionaire Musk. The person expected to replace Sharp is Bosent's deputy.

According to informed sources, the "Department of Government Efficiency" led by Musk pushed Sharp's appointment through the White House channel but did not consult or obtain Bosent's consent. Bosent subsequently obtained Trump's approval to rescind this appointment decision. An anonymous source familiar with the matter said that Bosent complained to Trump this week that Musk bypassed him to appoint Sharp as the acting director of the IRS, despite the fact that the IRS directly reports to Bosent.

White House press secretary Caroline Leavitt did not address the details of the dispute when responding to this incident, but stated: "President Trump has assembled a team passionate about our country's affairs."

"Disagreements are normal in any healthy policy-making process," Leavitt said, "in the end, everyone knows they are serving under President Trump."

This is not the first time that Bosent and Musk have had disagreements. Initially, Musk opposed Bosent's appointment as treasury secretary and recommended Howard Lutnick for the position. Ultimately, Trump chose Bosent, and Lutnick was finally appointed as commerce secretary.

Musk and Bosent's discord became public late on the night of the 17th, when Musk retweeted a post by far-right researcher Laura Loomer on social media. The post accused Bosent of colluding with "Trump haters." Musk commented: "Disturbing."

The post referred to Bosent's meeting with John Hope Bryant, CEO of the non-profit organization "Action Hope," who is currently collaborating with the Treasury Department on a financial literacy initiative.

Musk has repeatedly influenced US government personnel appointments. Trump: I believe he will soon return to his private company.

At the beginning of this month, under the influence of Laura Loomer, several officials from the National Security Council were removed. Previously, she attacked some officials online and then went to the Oval Office to meet with Trump and submitted a list of officials she considered "disloyal."

However, on this issue of the IRS acting director, Trump decided to side with Bosent.

Trump still maintains a close relationship with Musk. Trump's advisors noticed that Musk once expressed his intention to donate another $100 million through political entities controlled by the Trump team.

But Trump admitted privately that Musk has made some mistakes. Trump said he believes Musk will soon return to his own private company. As a special government employee, Musk's term is 130 days. If he chooses to continue part-time, his time in government service may be extended.

Meanwhile, The New York Times noted that Musk's appearances around Trump have decreased recently. Officials from various departments of the US government said that compared to the early weeks of Trump's presidency, Musk is no longer causing as much trouble.

Reportedly, Musk previously placed advisers in key institutions and attempted to control federal employees, angering some ministers, including those who support his "reform goals."

Musk has sent several members of the "Department of Government Efficiency" to the IRS, pushing for significant layoffs within the tax agency and canceling dozens of contracts with external technology suppliers.

According to three informed sources, Gavin Kliger, one of the members of the "Department of Government Efficiency" within the IRS, was recently fired by the agency. The White House has not yet responded to requests for comment on this matter.

This article is an exclusive piece from Guancha, unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7494939365077058082/

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