The IRS is facing a leadership crisis following the sudden resignation of Acting Commissioner Melanie Krause—the third top official to step down in a short period. Her departure comes as the agency grapples with mounting criticism over a secretive data-sharing agreement with the Department of Homeland Security, which could allow immigration authorities access to Americans’ private tax information. Privacy advocates and legal experts are sounding the alarm.

Making matters worse, massive staffing cuts ordered by Elon Musk’s newly formed “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) are rocking federal agencies. Musk claims to have uncovered what he calls “magic money computers”—untraceable systems that may be hiding billions in federal spending.

Critics argue that political appointees are overriding career civil servants, undermining constitutional checks and balances, and damaging public trust in government transparency. With Congress caught off guard and the IRS currently without a leader, the future of federal oversight is in serious jeopardy.