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Pete Hegseth accuses Biden IRS of politically motivated audit in final days of administration

By isabelle // 2025-02-20

• Newly confirmed Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth accuses the Biden administration of targeting him with a politically motivated IRS audit.
• Hegseth claims the audit is a "total sham" aimed at intimidating him and undermining his role in the Trump administration.
• The audit follows a history of IRS controversies, including targeting conservative groups during the Obama administration.

Newly confirmed Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has accused the Biden administration of targeting him with a politically motivated IRS audit in its final days. Hegseth, a staunch ally of President Trump, took to social media Monday to denounce the audit as a “total sham,” claiming it was an attempt to intimidate him and undermine his role in the administration. The controversy began when Hegseth posted a photo of an IRS document on X, stating that he and his wife owed the government $33,558.16. The letter demanded immediate payment to avoid further penalties. “Of course the outgoing Biden IRS rushed an ‘audit’ of the incoming SecDef,” Hegseth wrote. “Total sham. The party of ‘norms’ and ‘decency’ strikes again. We will never back down.” The timing of the audit, coming just weeks after Hegseth’s confirmation as Secretary of Defense, has raised eyebrows among conservatives who see it as part of a broader pattern of the Biden administration using federal agencies to target political opponents.

A history of targeting conservatives

Hegseth’s allegations are not without precedent. During the Obama administration, the IRS faced widespread criticism for improperly targeting conservative groups for audits and excessive scrutiny. Beginning in 2010, the agency singled out organizations with names like “Tea Party,” “Patriots,” or “9/12” in their applications for tax-exempt status, while approving similar requests from liberal-leaning groups. Then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions condemned the practice in 2017, stating, “It is improper for the IRS to single out groups for different treatment based on their names or ideological positions.” The scandal led to a settlement with affected organizations, but the perception of the IRS as a tool for political retribution has persisted. Hegseth’s case appears to fit this troubling pattern. Critics argue that the Biden administration, much like its predecessors, has weaponized federal agencies to silence dissent and punish political enemies. Elon Musk, CEO of X and a vocal critic of the Biden administration, echoed this sentiment in response to Hegseth’s post, writing, “They love the low blows.” Hegseth’s confirmation as Secretary of Defense in January was already fraught with controversy. Opponents questioned his lack of government experience and raised allegations of personal misconduct, while supporters pointed to his military service and advocacy for veterans. The narrow 51-50 Senate vote, secured with Vice President JD Vance’s tie-breaking vote, underscored the divisive nature of his appointment. Since taking office, Hegseth has been a key figure in President Trump’s efforts to overhaul the Department of Defense, including revoking security clearances for former Biden administration officials. Critics have accused Trump and Hegseth of politicizing national security, but supporters argue the moves are necessary to root out inefficiency and partisan bias.

A broader pattern of lawfare?

The IRS audit of Hegseth is just the latest example of what many conservatives see as the Biden administration’s reliance on “lawfare”—using legal and bureaucratic tools to target political opponents. From the unprecedented raid on Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate to the investigations into his business dealings, the Biden administration faced multiple accusations of abusing its power to undermine its rivals. While the White House has denied any involvement in the audit, the lack of transparency surrounding the case has fueled suspicions. The IRS has not provided details about the alleged tax discrepancy, leaving Hegseth and his supporters to speculate about the motives behind the audit. Whether the audit was a routine procedure or a targeted attack, the incident underscores the need for greater transparency in government. As Hegseth vowed in his post, “We will never back down.” Sources for this article include: AmGreatness.com NYPost.com DailyWire.com

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