Trump Promises to Cut IRS Agents, Suggests Moving Them to the Border
In a bold campaign pledge, former President Donald Trump energized a crowd of supporters in Las Vegas this week by announcing his plans to terminate the 88,000 new IRS agents hired under President Joe Biden’s administration. Speaking at a packed rally, Trump suggested a potential alternative for the agents: redeployment to the U.S.-Mexico border to address the ongoing immigration crisis.
“They want to go after you,” Trump told the enthusiastic crowd, referring to middle-class Americans and small business owners who have expressed concerns about the IRS expansion. “We’ll either get rid of them or maybe send them to the border—because that’s where they’re really needed.”
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Biden’s IRS Expansion Sparks Conservative Backlash
The 88,000 additional IRS agents were part of the Biden administration’s $80 billion allocation to the agency under the Inflation Reduction Act, a measure that faced stiff opposition from Republicans. Critics argue the move will disproportionately target everyday Americans and small businesses rather than high-income earners or corporations.
Trump’s remarks come at a time when the IRS expansion has become a flashpoint in the debate over government spending and priorities. House Republicans have repeatedly criticized the funding as wasteful and unnecessary, pushing for its repeal in the new Congress.
The former president’s proposal to move the agents to the border aligns with his administration’s immigration platform, which emphasized strong border security and a crackdown on illegal crossings. Trump highlighted the stark contrast between his policies and those of Biden, whose administration has faced record-high levels of illegal immigration.
“We need manpower at the border, not in your bank accounts,” Trump said, drawing cheers and applause.
IRS Expansion’s Impact on the Middle Class
The Biden administration and Congressional Democrats have maintained that the IRS expansion is aimed at closing the so-called “tax gap” by cracking down on wealthy tax evaders and large corporations. However, multiple analyses suggest that increased audits could inadvertently affect middle-income Americans and small business owners, fueling skepticism among conservatives.
Trump’s remarks in Las Vegas echoed widespread concerns in conservative circles about government overreach. Many of his supporters view the IRS expansion as emblematic of a bloated federal government intent on targeting ordinary citizens.
Border Security: A Key Campaign Issue
Trump’s suggestion of reallocating IRS agents to the southern border underscores the importance of immigration policy in his 2024 campaign. During his presidency, Trump implemented measures such as the construction of a border wall and the “Remain in Mexico” policy, which drastically reduced illegal crossings.
Under Biden, however, the U.S. has seen a surge in illegal immigration, with nearly 2.5 million encounters reported at the southern border in fiscal year 2023, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Conservatives argue that the current administration has failed to adequately address the issue, leaving states and border communities overwhelmed.
Trump’s proposal to shift IRS agents to border security reflects his ongoing commitment to making immigration enforcement a priority. By framing the move as a pragmatic solution to both an overfunded federal agency and an under-resourced border, Trump continues to resonate with voters who are frustrated by Washington’s mismanagement.
Conservative Reactions
Many Republicans praised Trump’s comments, viewing them as a practical approach to addressing two critical issues. Conservative commentators argue that Trump’s bold vision distinguishes him from establishment politicians who often fail to act decisively.
One conservative supporter at the rally remarked, “President Trump always has a solution. While the Democrats are busy wasting money on unnecessary IRS agents, he’s looking out for the American people and keeping our borders safe.”
However, critics within the media dismissed the proposal as unrealistic, with some claiming that the IRS agents lack the necessary training or expertise for border security roles. Trump supporters counter that the redeployment would provide a much-needed manpower boost, even if the agents undergo specialized training.
The Road to 2024
As the Republican frontrunner for the 2024 presidential nomination, Trump continues to dominate the GOP landscape with his unapologetic rhetoric and action-oriented proposals. His campaign has leaned heavily into issues that resonate with middle-class conservatives, including tax reform, border security, and reducing government overreach.
Trump’s speech in Las Vegas also serves as a reminder of his unmatched ability to galvanize support among his base. By addressing key concerns about the IRS and border security, he demonstrates a keen understanding of what matters most to conservative voters.