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Democrats Seek IG Probe into IRS Firing Over Audit Steering

7/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Senate Democrats asked Inspector General Heather Hill to probe the firing of IRS chief counsel Kenneth Kies.
Democrats say Kies was fired after refusing a White House request breaching Section 7217, bars steering audits.
The White House confirmed Kies was asked to leave but gave no reason, citing confidentiality.
Senators urged the Inspector General for Tax Administration to identify President Donald Trump’s officials who contacted IRS staff and whether audits changed.

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Story summary

Senate Democrats asked Inspector General Heather Hill to probe the firing of IRS chief counsel Kenneth Kies.
Democrats say Kies was fired after refusing a White House request breaching Section 7217, bars steering audits.
The White House confirmed Kies was asked to leave but gave no reason, citing confidentiality.
Senators urged the Inspector General for Tax Administration to identify President Donald Trump’s officials who contacted IRS staff and whether audits changed.