Legality of Politically Motivated IRS Audits and Tariff Impacts Questioned

Legality of Politically Motivated Audits

• ❓ Nominees were asked if they would follow the law or a presidential directive if the two conflicted.
• ✅ Both nominees, Mr. Greenstein and Mr. Korb, affirmed their commitment to following the law.
• 🎯 Daniel Korb, nominated as IRS Chief Counsel, was specifically questioned about the legality of the president ordering IRS employees to audit individuals based on their political beliefs.
• ⚖️ Senator Hassan cited 26 USC 7217 as clear federal law making it illegal for the president or a cabinet member to order such audits.
• 📣 The law also mandates that IRS employees must report such illegal orders to the Inspector General.
• 🗣️ Hassan expressed disappointment with Korb's responses, perceiving them as hedging, and urged him to be clear about the obligation to report illegal directives.

Tariffs and Economic Impact

• 📊 Mr. Greenstein, nominated to oversee Treasury's work in international financial markets, was questioned about who pays tariffs.
• 🚫 Greenstein deferred specific questions about tariff policy to the president's senior trade policy team, stating his focus would be on currency devaluation and manipulation.
• 📈 Senator Hassan presented evidence, including customs forms, to demonstrate that American businesses and consumers are paying the tariffs.
• 📉 She argued that these tariffs are raising costs, creating uncertainty, and causing a contraction in the manufacturing sector.
• 🗣️ Hassan urged for candor within the administration regarding the negative economic drag caused by these tariffs.