Elon Musk's days may be numbered with the Trump administration as his conflicts with cabinet members grow by the hour; here's the latest friction point

Tensions between billionaire Elon Musk and senior members of the Trump administration are brewing, following another leadership switch at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), as per a report.

Only days before, US president Donald Trump had appointed IRS whistleblower Gary Shapley as the acting head of the agency, as per Politico. But the appointment had been made after Musk suggested, and without the consultation or knowledge of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, according to the report.

The appointment immediately caused tension. Bessent, who was taken aback, was frustrated outside the Oval Office on Thursday, saying he wanted someone he could rely on at the head of the IRS at a time of significant restructuring, as per Politico.

IRS Under Pressure

This decison comes at a time when there is a plan to cut the IRS workforce by as much as 40%, an initiative led in part by Musk's crew from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). One of Musk's closest allies, Gavin Kliger, had been stationed at the IRS to assist in putting those reductions into effect, as per the report. But in open reaction to the behind-the-scenes battle for power, Bessent replaced Kliger shortly after the appointment, according to Politico.

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A Fifth Leader in Just Four Months

Now, the Trump administration has asked Michael Faulkender, who is the present Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, to be the acting head of the IRS, as per Politico. He is the fifth individual to accept the position since January, after former acting commissioner Melanie Krause resigned and before the previous departure of Danny Werfel, as per the report.

Bessent said, “Trust must be brought back to the IRS, and I am fully confident that Deputy Secretary Michael Faulkender is the right man for the moment," quoted Politico.

FAQs

What role does Elon Musk have in the government?
Musk leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), advising on cost-cutting and restructuring in federal agencies.

Who is the new acting head of the IRS?
Michael Faulkender, the current Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, has been appointed to replace Shapley.