Bessent is performing IRS commissioner duties amid Trump IRS tax scrutiny
CNBC • • nation
Key Points:
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated he is "performing the duties" of IRS commissioner but denied being the acting commissioner during a Senate Finance Committee hearing.
- Bessent’s official term as acting IRS commissioner expired 2½ months ago, but he retains authority to perform commissioner duties since the position remains vacant.
- Senator Catherine Cortez Masto questioned Bessent about the status of the IRS leadership and whether other taxpayers affected by a data leak would receive protections similar to those granted to President Trump and his family.
- Bessent declined to directly address whether other taxpayers would receive immunity, citing ongoing litigation and representation by the Justice Department.
- The hearing occurred shortly after the acting Attorney General announced that a $1.8 billion compensation fund related to Trump’s IRS settlement would not be operated, while Trump and related entities remain protected from audits tied to pre-settlement tax returns.