Democrats push watchdog probe into IRS lawyer’s ouster after White House clash

A group of 12 Senate Democrats asked the Treasury Department’s internal watchdog to probe whether White House pressure influenced the IRS’s actions, following reports that Kenneth Kies, acting IRS chief counsel, was ousted after clashing with White House officials over enforcement and a federal law restricting political influence on audits. Kies reportedly cited the law in a meeting, and an official said he was “not a team player.” Kies confirmed his departure and said he will return to private life, with Kies’s deputy Kevin Salinger now serving as acting chief counsel. The lawmakers warned about the safeguards against political interference and noted that, if a law was violated, the DOJ would handle criminal charges, though Congress could pursue investigations if it wins control. The event is part of broader turnover in the IRS leadership under the current administration.