Full Breakdown
Trump Withdraws Nomination of Donald Korb for IRS Chief Counsel Amid Controversy
11/15/2025, 1:10:11 AM
Withdrawal Announcement and Context
President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of his nominee, Donald Korb, for the position of chief counsel at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and assistant general counsel at the Treasury Department. The announcement was made via Trump's Truth Social platform on November 14, 2025, without providing specific reasons for the decision. Korb, a veteran tax attorney with over 50 years of experience, was previously scheduled for confirmation by the Senate next week.
Reasons Behind the Withdrawal
The withdrawal follows significant backlash from Laura Loomer, a far-right activist aligned with Trump, who criticized Korb's political affiliations and past comments. Loomer accused Korb of being too sympathetic to Democrats, citing his donations to Democratic candidates, including former Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo. She also highlighted Korb's controversial remark suggesting that a former IRS official should be "shot" for resigning, which he later claimed was taken out of context.
Political Reactions and Concerns
Korb's nomination faced scrutiny from both sides of the political aisle. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) had taken steps to advance Korb's nomination despite Democratic objections. However, many Democrats expressed concerns about Korb's potential to defend data sharing between the IRS and the Department of Homeland Security, which could target immigrants. Additionally, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) demanded that Korb commit to recusing himself from business dealings with former clients, a request he did not fully endorse.
Impact on IRS Leadership
Korb's withdrawal exacerbates the ongoing leadership crisis at the IRS, which has seen multiple acting chief counsels since the resignation of Marjorie Rollinson earlier this year. The IRS currently lacks Senate-confirmed leadership as it prepares for the upcoming tax-filing season under the new GOP tax law. Korb's departure means that the Treasury Department must now seek a new candidate for this critical legal position.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of Korb's nomination, including Loomer, have pointed to his past political contributions and perceived alignment with Democratic values as disqualifying factors. Loomer stated, “Korb has several major red flags that disqualify him from assuming his role under the Trump administration,” emphasizing concerns about his ability to aggressively pursue left-wing groups.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Please be advised that I am withdrawing the nomination of Donald Korb to be Assistant General Counsel in the Department of the Treasury. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” — President Donald Trump
- “It is evident that Don Korb is NOT the right person to serve as IRS Chief Counsel in America’s current political climate.” — Laura Loomer, Political Activist
Conclusion
The withdrawal of Donald Korb's nomination reflects the ongoing tensions within the Trump administration regarding appointments to key positions, particularly in agencies like the IRS that are central to the administration's policy goals. As the IRS continues to operate without confirmed leadership, the implications for tax policy and enforcement remain uncertain.
