White House Official Hints at More IRS Firings, Calling 3,500 a Small Number

It looks like the winds of change are blowing through the corridors of power, and the IRS might be feeling the breeze more than most. President Trump is taking decisive steps to trim the fat off the federal government, starting with a potential reduction in IRS staff.

Kevin Hassett, the head of the U.S. National Economic Council, shared this news during a White House briefing, emphasizing the need for productivity and efficiency among government workers.

Hassett didn’t mince words when asked about the possibility of thousands of IRS agents losing their jobs. He pointed out that with over 100,000 people on the payroll, not everyone is pulling their weight. The administration’s goal is to ensure that every dollar spent on salaries is justified by tangible results.

The Treasury Secretary is taking a hard look at the numbers and believes that cutting 3,500 jobs could be just the beginning. With advancements in information technology, the need for such a large workforce might diminish significantly. This isn’t just about the IRS; other federal agencies are also under the microscope, with an eye on eliminating inefficiencies.

There’s a push to get federal employees back to their offices. Many have been working remotely since the pandemic hit in 2020, but Hassett suggests that this has led to some gaming the system, holding down multiple jobs while collecting a government paycheck. The message is clear: it’s time to get back to work and earn those taxpayer dollars.

Under President Biden, the IRS saw a considerable expansion, swelling by about 20,000 new employees. This was part of a broader strategy fueled by $80 billion from the Inflation Reduction Act, aimed at bolstering the agency’s data and analytics capabilities. But the current administration seems to have a different vision for the IRS’s future.

Trump, during a rally in Las Vegas, mentioned the possibility of redeploying some of these IRS hires to the border. “They’re strong on guns, so why not put them where they can use that strength?” he quipped, suggesting a shift in focus from tax collection to national security.

True to his campaign promises, Trump is moving quickly to downsize the federal government and rein in spending. One of his early executive actions was the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), with Elon Musk as a key advisor. The aim? To slash federal expenditures by a trillion dollars.

Part of DOGE’s mandate is to scrutinize every federal agency, including the IRS, to identify where cuts can be made. The IRS, like others, will undergo a thorough examination to justify its budget and workforce. This initiative aligns with a broader push for a leaner, more cost-effective government.

The IRS, when asked for comment, remained tight-lipped. But the writing on the wall is becoming increasingly clear: the days of unchecked federal expansion might be numbered. Reuters has also covered this story, noting the administration’s firm stance on reducing federal bloat.

Trump’s approach resonates with a Reagan-era philosophy of smaller government and fiscal responsibility. By streamlining operations, the administration hopes to deliver better services at a lower cost to taxpayers. This strategy not only seeks to balance the budget but also aims to restore public trust in government institutions.

The road ahead might be challenging, but the administration appears committed to seeing these changes through. The focus is on accountability, ensuring that every federal dollar is spent wisely and effectively. While some may resist, the push for efficiency is a priority.

This isn’t just a cost-cutting measure; it’s a shift in how the federal government operates. With a focus on results and accountability, the goal is to create a government that works for the people, not the other way around. It’s a bold move, but one that reflects a longstanding conservative ideal.

As the administration presses on, the response from federal employees and the public remains to be seen. Change is never easy, but the promise of a more efficient government might be a powerful motivator. The IRS and other agencies will need to adapt or face the consequences of an evolving political landscape.

While the future of many IRS employees hangs in the balance, the administration’s determination to cut costs is unwavering. This initiative underscores a broader commitment to fiscal conservatism and governmental efficiency, principles that have long been championed by conservative leaders.