The Trump administration has removed William Paul from his role as the IRS’ chief legal counsel, replacing him with Andrew De Mello. This change follows controversy surrounding the Department of Government Efficiency’s attempts to access confidential taxpayer data. The decision to replace Paul appears to be linked to legal challenges and internal disputes over the administration’s handling of sensitive financial information.
Paul had been leading the IRS’ legal matters since being appointed toward the end of the Biden administration, following his predecessor’s resignation. His removal marks a significant shift in IRS leadership as the Trump administration reasserts control over key positions. De Mello, who was previously nominated to serve as the Education Department’s inspector general under Trump, is expected to align more closely with the administration’s agenda.
Trump Administration Replaces IRS Chief Counsel Amid Legal Battles and Workforce Shake-UpIRS Shake Up Amid Mass Layoffs and Legal Battles Over Federal Workforce
The personnel shake-up comes amid broader upheaval within the IRS, including the recent termination of nearly 7,000 probationary employees. These workers had been with the agency for less than a year, and their layoffs have sparked legal challenges. Critics argue that the firings may have been politically motivated or part of broader government restructuring efforts.
In response to the layoffs, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order mandating that probationary employees across multiple federal agencies be reinstated. This ruling highlights the ongoing legal battles the administration faces as it attempts to implement policy changes within the federal workforce. The decision to demote Paul, coupled with the large-scale layoffs, suggests a broader effort by the Trump administration to reshape key government institutions.