Treasury official performing IRS commissioner duties, not acting, amid Trump tax-scrutiny

At a Senate Finance Committee hearing, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he is performing the duties of the IRS commissioner, not acting in the role, after taking over duties in March. Democrats pressed for clarity on his authority and whether others affected by a former IRS contractor’s leaked returns would receive the same immunity tied to Trump’s settlement. The DOJ indicated a planned $1.8 billion ‘anti-weaponization’ fund would not proceed, and emphasized ongoing litigation governs protections for those taxpayers.