(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Shin Jae-woo = U.S. President Donald Trump ruled in Bessant's favor in the power struggle between Government Efficiency Minister Elon Musk and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant over the appointment of acting IRS chief.
According to the New York Times (NYT) on the 18th (local time), Secretary Bessant appointed Michael Falkender, the deputy secretary of the Treasury, to act as the acting head of the National Tax Service.
"Trust in the IRS must be restored, and I am confident that Falkender is the right person at this moment," he said on X (formerly Twitter).
The background drew attention as the replacement announcement came three days after Gary Shapley, who has a long career at the National Tax Service, was appointed as an acting president on the 15th.
Citing unnamed sources, the NYT said the decision was made by Bessant, who was unhappy with Musk, persuading President Trump.
Minister Bessant took issue with Musk's government efficiency department's push to appoint Shapley through the White House, which did not seek consultation or approval from him, who oversees the IRS, and President Trump heard and approved the replacement.
Shapley has become a celebrity on the U.S. conservative side since the Justice Department publicly criticized Hunter, former President Joe Biden's second son, for conducting a tax evasion investigation slowly.
The NYT commented, "This clash is the latest example of Musk's influence in the Trump administration, surprising senior officials."
Besent's appointment has been made on behalf of Musk's appointment.
It is not about where the position is, but whose decision was decided.
Treasury Secretary Bessent's intentions, known for his understanding of the market
It's a situation that appeals more to Trump.
This is what makes us expect that sanctions will be lessened in the future.