Trump Proposes Shifting IRS Agents to the Border

President Donald Trump recently made headlines with a bold suggestion to relocate nearly 90,000 Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agents, hired under the Biden administration, to the U.S. southern border. During a rally at the Circa Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Trump suggested these agents could patrol the area while armed.

A Bold Proposal: IRS Agents as Border Patrol

Trump critiqued the Biden administration’s decision to hire approximately 88,000 new IRS agents, claiming their primary aim was to target taxpayers. “On day one, I immediately halted the hiring of any new IRS agents. They hired, or tried to hire, 88,000 new workers to go after you,” Trump stated. He then proposed a controversial plan: “We’re in the process of developing a plan to either terminate all of them or maybe we’ll move them to the border. And I think we’re going to move them to the border,” he declared amidst cheers from his supporters.

His comments drew attention to the fact that certain IRS agents are permitted to carry firearms under specific circumstances as stipulated in IRS Code, 26 U.S. Code § 7608. Speculating further, Trump remarked, “Where they’re allowed to carry guns, you know, they’re so strong on guns, but these people are allowed to carry guns.”

Trump’s Recent Activities

This rally in Las Vegas followed Trump’s tour of areas impacted by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina and wildfires in California. His recent engagements underscore his active involvement in addressing natural disasters while simultaneously rallying support for his political initiatives.

Tax Reform Ideas: No Income Tax?

In addition to his proposal regarding IRS agents, Trump addressed the issue of income tax during his Las Vegas speech. He suggested the possibility of eliminating income tax altogether, arguing that effective tariffs could replace tax revenue. “How about just no tax?” he quipped jokingly, suggesting his belief in a tariff-based system. “If the tariffs work out like I think, a thing like that could happen… Years ago, from 1870 to 1913, we didn’t have an income tax. We had tariffs that made so much money.”

Trump drew historical parallels, asserting that the tariff system contributed significantly to America’s wealth during the late 19th and early 20th centuries before the introduction of income tax, which he claimed coincided with economic downturns, including the Great Depression.

IRS Funding and Controversies

Trump’s comments come in the wake of Democratic lawmakers approving an billion budget increase for the IRS, which included funding to hire approximately 87,000 new agents over a decade through the Inflation Reduction Act. This controversial legislation was signed into law by President Joe Biden in 2022, emphasizing the government’s efforts to bolster tax collection and enforcement.

Amidst ongoing debates about IRS funding, notable legislation has emerged, including a bill that prohibits the IRS from purchasing firearms and ammunition with taxpayer money, led by Senator Joni Ernst. This has fueled further discussions regarding the agency’s spending practices and priorities.

Promises to Service Workers

Trump further pledged to eliminate taxes on tips, a significant issue for service workers, particularly in Las Vegas, where many rely heavily on gratuities for their income. “Any worker who relies on tips [as] income, your tips will be 100% yours,” he assured attendees, reiterating his focus on the needs of service industry employees.

During his speech, Trump also highlighted a number of campaign promises he claims are coming to fruition, including withdrawing the U.S. from the World Health Organization (WHO) and dismantling certain federal diversity and inclusion practices. “We got rid of the woke crap,” he stated, asserting that corporate leaders have been fearful of such initiatives.

These comments resonate with a significant segment of Trump’s base, as he continues to emphasize a return to policies he believes support traditional American values over what he perceives as ‘political correctness’.

Conclusion

Donald Trump’s recent remarks regarding the potential reallocation of IRS agents to border patrol duties exemplify his contentious approach to rallying support for his political agenda as he seeks to re-establish a strong presence in the political arena. By linking taxation changes to protective measures at the border, Trump aims to attract attention while addressing the concerns of his base.

As discussions around the IRS, economic policy, and tax reform continue to shape the political landscape, it remains to be seen how Trump’s proposals will resonate beyond his immediate supporters. The implications of his suggestions could lead to significant changes in how border security and fiscal policy are approached in the coming years.

Fox News Digital’s Andrea Margolis contributed to this report.

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