Trump’s plan to move nearly 90,000 IRS agents to the border sparks fierce debate on government overreach and national security priorities.
At a Glance
- Trump proposes reassigning nearly 90,000 IRS agents to guard the US-Mexico border
- A federal hiring freeze has been ordered, effective January 20, 2025
- New “External Revenue Service” proposed to manage tariff revenues
- 25% tariff on Mexico and Canada suggested if they don’t comply with US immigration policies
Trump’s Bold Border Security Plan
In a move that’s left many celebrating, President Donald Trump has unveiled a plan that would see nearly 90,000 Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agents traded in their calculators for border patrol gear. This isn’t just a minor policy tweak; it’s a full-blown government shake-up that’s got conservatives cheering and liberals reaching for the smelling salts.
Trump’s rationale? These IRS agents, some of whom are authorized to carry firearms, would be better suited to protect our borders than to audit our tax returns. It’s a classic Trump move – kill two birds with one stone by addressing border security concerns while simultaneously gutting a government agency that many conservatives view as the poster child for bureaucratic overreach.
Trump says he may send nearly 90,000 newly hired IRS agents to border after issuing indefinite hiring freeze | Anna Young, New York Post
President Trump said Saturday he is considering sending nearly 90,000 newly hired Internal Revenue Service agents to guard the southern… pic.twitter.com/pyRLUSvamk
— Owen Gregorian (@OwenGregorian) January 26, 2025
Federal Hiring Freeze: Trimming the Fat or Starving the Beast?
But wait, there’s more! Trump’s not just shuffling the deck; he’s changing the whole game. A federal hiring freeze has been ordered, effective January 20, 2025. This isn’t your garden-variety government slowdown – it’s a full stop on new hires across executive departments and agencies, with a few exceptions for those pesky things like national security and public safety.
The freeze is set to expire once the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) submits a plan to reduce the federal workforce through efficiency and attrition. But for the IRS? The freeze is indefinite. It’s like putting the taxman on an ice floe and waving goodbye.
The External Revenue Service: A New Frontier in Taxation
Not content with merely reshuffling the deck chairs on the USS Federal Government, Trump has proposed creating an “External Revenue Service.” This new agency would be responsible for collecting tariffs and other trade-related revenues. It’s like the IRS, but instead of auditing your neighbor’s dubious charitable donations, it’ll be keeping an eye on international trade shenanigans.
“I will immediately begin the overhaul of our trade system to protect American workers and families.” – Donald Trump
And speaking of international trade, Trump’s not pulling any punches. He’s proposed a 25% tariff on Mexico and Canada if they don’t play ball with U.S. immigration policies. It’s a bold strategy.
As the dust settles on these announcements, one thing is clear: Trump’s vision for his potential second term is anything but business as usual. Whether you see it as a much-needed shake-up of a bloated bureaucracy or a reckless dismantling of vital government functions likely depends on which side of the political aisle you call home. One thing’s for sure – it’s going to be an interesting ride.
