- Elon Musk’s cost-cutting agency is reviewing the IRS’s operations. DOGE is focusing on reducing non-essential contracts and scrutinizing the agency’s expanded workforce.
- Democratic lawmakers, including Sen. Ron Wyden, have criticized Musk’s efforts.
- Musk’s push for government efficiency also targets the U.S. Agency for International Development.
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Elon Musk’s cost-cutting agency is turning its attention to the Internal Revenue Service as millions of Americans file their tax returns. Various media outlets report that Musk’s top aide, Gavin Kliger, is reviewing the operations of the tax agency.
DOGE meets with IRS officials
Reuters first reported the visit, saying that Kliger, a key member of DOGE, met with IRS officials on Thursday, Feb. 13. Sources told media outlets that Kliger inquired about the agency’s workforce following its expansion under the Biden administration.
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Government data shows the IRS has at least 90,000 workers as of 2024. Under the Inflation Reduction Act, passed during the Biden administration, the IRS is set to receive an additional $80 billion over 10 years to enhance operations.
According to reports, DOGE has requested that IRS executives submit all nonessential contracts for review and possible elimination. DOGE claims these actions align with directives set by President Donald Trump.
Democratic lawmakers are already responding to DOGE’s visit to the IRS. In a social media post, Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden, Ore., criticized DOGE, claiming that Musk’s “henchmen” are preparing to dig through IRS data, which could delay tax refunds.
NEW: My office is hearing that DOGE is now at the IRS. That means Musk's henchmen are in a position to dig through a trove of data about every taxpayer in America. And if your refund is delayed, they could very well be the reason.
— Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) February 13, 2025
The Wall Street Journal reports Kliger has not yet accessed IRS systems or taxpayer information.
Musk’s role in the Department of Government Efficiency
Trump placed Musk at the helm of the Department of Government Efficiency to uncover billions of dollars in government waste.
Answering reporters’ questions in the Oval Office, Musk explained, “We’re really just talking about adding common sense controls that should be present, that haven’t been present.”
Critics argue Musk is leading a hostile takeover of government operations, positioning himself as one of the most powerful figures in the Trump administration.
Musk responded to criticism, “We talk almost every day. And I double-check things to make sure. Is this something, Mr. President, you want us to do? Well, then we’ll do it.”
Protests against DOGE efforts
Across the nation, lawsuits from state attorneys general and rallies have been organized to protest DOGE’s efforts to cut federal agencies and employees.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., has sharply criticized Musk’s initiatives.
During a press conference, he said, “What Elon Musk says he’s doing is cutting waste. In fact, he’s laying waste to democracy. He says he’s ending abuse, but he is abusing our veterans and many other Americans.”
Trump, however, remains confident in Musk’s work, saying, “I think that the Internal Revenue Service will be looked at like everybody else. They’re doing a hell of a job. It’s an amazing job they’re doing. And you know that force is building. I call it the force of super geniuses.”
Musk’s cost-cutting agenda also includes the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), where he is pushing for budget cuts or a closure.
Hiring freeze during tax season
In addition, Trump signed an executive order freezing the hiring of new federal employees, which is set to expire after 90 days. The timing is critical for the IRS, which is in the midst of tax season.
Trump’s deferred resignation program also impacts IRS employees. However, those involved in tax filings are not allowed to leave until May 15.
At the time of this report, DOGE has not announced any layoffs or operational changes at the IRS.
