Two IRS agents who exposed political interference in Hunter Biden’s tax case are now being handsomely rewarded for their courage. After facing retaliation under the Biden administration, these whistleblowers have been appointed to key leadership positions by the Trump administration, marking a dramatic turnaround in their careers.
At a glance:
• IRS whistleblowers Gary Shapley and Joe Ziegler have been promoted to senior adviser positions at the Treasury Department
• They exposed political interference in Hunter Biden’s tax investigation and faced significant retaliation
• The Office of Special Counsel confirmed that the IRS illegally retaliated against them
• Their revelations helped torpedo Hunter Biden’s “sweetheart deal” on tax crimes
• Senator Chuck Grassley praised the move as ushering in “a new era of transparency and accountability”
Whistleblowers Vindicated After Years of Retaliation
Gary Shapley and Joe Ziegler, two IRS agents who faced severe backlash after exposing political interference in Hunter Biden’s tax investigation, have been appointed to senior adviser positions at the Treasury Department. The agents will work directly with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on reforming the IRS before transitioning to senior leadership roles within the tax agency itself.
The promotions represent a complete reversal of fortune for the agents who were sidelined and faced retaliation after they revealed how the Justice Department obstructed their investigation of the President’s son. Their courageous testimony helped derail Hunter Biden’s proposed plea deal, which critics characterized as extremely lenient given the severity of his alleged tax crimes.
The U.S. Office of Special Counsel previously confirmed that the IRS issued illegal gag orders against Shapley and Ziegler and improperly removed them from the Hunter Biden investigation. The whistleblowers had meticulously documented how Justice Department officials in the Biden administration repeatedly interfered with their work and gave preferential treatment to the president’s son.
Strong Support from Republican Leaders
Senator Chuck Grassley, a longtime champion of whistleblower protections, praised the promotions as a significant step toward government accountability.
“Gary Shapley and Joe Ziegler put their entire careers on the line to stand up for the truth, and instead of being thanked, the Biden administration treated them like skunks at a picnic,” Grassley said.
“By taking a stand for whistleblowers, President Trump and his cabinet are ushering in a new era of transparency and accountability,” the Senator added.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed confidence in the whistleblowers’ abilities to drive reform within the IRS. He specifically noted their expertise would be valuable in creating cultural changes at the tax agency, which has faced criticism for its handling of politically sensitive investigations.
Jason Foster, founder of Empower Oversight, which represented the whistleblowers, celebrated the appointments as a victory for government accountability. “Rewarding merit rather than retaliating against whistleblowers is exactly how government ought to work,” Foster stated.
Ongoing Legal Battles Amid Career Advancement
Despite their promotions, Shapley and Ziegler continue to face legal challenges stemming from their whistleblower activities. The agents have filed a complaint against six IRS executives for retaliation, which remains pending, and they are engaged in a defamation lawsuit against Hunter Biden’s lawyer.
Hunter Biden was eventually pardoned by his father in December 2024 for offenses committed since January 1, 2014. The pardon came after the whistleblowers’ testimony helped collapse Biden’s plea deal on tax fraud and gun felonies, forcing the case to proceed toward trial.
In a joint statement, Shapley and Ziegler expressed gratitude for their new opportunity: “We have been motivated by one singular mantra: do what’s right, and do it the right way. It has not been easy, but having a clear conscience is worth the effort.”
Their appointment signals that the Trump administration intends to prioritize accountability within government agencies and protect those who risk their careers to expose corruption. The whistleblowers’ journey from facing retaliation to receiving prestigious appointments demonstrates that speaking truth to power can eventually be rewarded.
