Member of Musk’s DOGE Team Visits IRS As Trump Eyes Reforms
At least one representative from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team was present at the Internal Revenue Service headquarters in Washington on Thursday as part of an ongoing evaluation of government agencies, two sources familiar with the situation informed CNN.
Gavin Kliger, a DOGE team member, requested various details, including an outline of the responsibilities of each IRS business unit, their objectives for the next 90 days, and potential risks they currently face, according to one source.
CNN reported that it was uncertain whether Kliger had gained access to any IRS systems. However, a source stated that “he’s just getting a lay of the land at the moment.”
There was no evidence on Thursday that sensitive IRS data had been accessed, but agency employees remained vigilant, CNN noted.
Recently, DOGE members had accessed a crucial Treasury Department payment system, which was later blocked by a court ruling. Access to the IRS’s sensitive systems is highly restricted, with multiple security protocols in place to ensure that only authorized individuals can enter, sources familiar with the agency’s security measures said.
IRS officials circulated an internal email to staff, obtained by CNN, which included the message: “Anyone getting an inbound on a group of high-profile visitors to the IRS should have them send their query to the inbox. We’ve elevated this inquiry to Treasury. We’re awaiting further instruction.”
The visit aligns with President Donald Trump’s campaign commitment to review the size and function of each federal agency, aiming to streamline operations and cut costs where possible.
On Thursday, Trump praised DOGE’s efforts, emphasizing that while the team would scrutinize the IRS, they had no intention of eliminating it.
“No, but I think the Internal Revenue Service will be looked at like everybody else. Just about everybody’s going to be looked at… [DOGE is] doing a hell of a job, it’s an amazing job,” he told reporters in the Oval Office.
Several Democrats have voiced strong opposition to Trump’s initiative to downsize the federal workforce, despite polling that suggests the move is widely supported not only by Trump’s base but also by a majority of Americans.
Meanwhile, the White House has issued termination notices to multiple U.S. Attorneys appointed by President Joe Biden, an action aimed at replacing officials who may resist directives from the incoming administration.
An email from the White House’s deputy director for the office of presidential personnel, viewed by Reuters, stated: “At the direction of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position as U.S. Attorney is terminated, effective immediately.”
It remained unclear whether all U.S. Attorneys received the termination notifications, though several, from Seattle to Maryland, have resigned.
Legal experts, including current and former Justice Department attorneys, noted that while it is standard practice for U.S. Attorneys to step down when a new administration takes office, it is more common for resignations to be requested rather than enforced through direct termination letters.
Among those dismissed was U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath of San Diego, a Biden appointee. Her office confirmed late Wednesday that she had received the termination notice from the White House, which also acknowledged her service.
Similarly, U.S. Attorney Erek Barron of Maryland, another Biden appointee, sent a farewell message to his office shortly after receiving the notification, stating that his tenure “has come to an end.”
“It has been an honor to lead such a talented and dedicated team,” Barron wrote in an email viewed by Reuters. He later confirmed his departure in a LinkedIn post on Thursday.