Revolt in Treasury: Kies Accused of Empowering Anti-Trump Network Inside the AdministrationA Special Report for TBR by The Last Wire. WASHINGTON (TLW) — Kenneth J. Kies, a senior Treasury Department official overseeing tax policy and serving as acting IRS chief counsel, is coming under criticism from Trump-aligned figures who say he has helped place individuals with records of opposition to former President Donald Trump inside key government posts.
In a series of posts this week on X, a conservative commentator alleged that Kies and former Deputy Treasury Secretary Michael Faulkender supported the hiring of Kevin Salinger, an attorney who previously provided pro bono legal services for immigration and LGBTQ-advocacy groups. The commentator cited Salinger’s past volunteer work and personal associations with outspoken Trump critics as evidence that he is ideologically out of step with the administration he now serves.
The posts also referenced a past controversy over Donald Korb, who was considered for the role of IRS chief counsel. According to publicly available campaign finance records cited in the thread, Korb has donated to several Republicans who ran against Trump in primary contests, as well as some Democrats.
Kies himself is also facing renewed scrutiny from Trump supporters over his political giving. Federal Election Commission records show Kies donated to former Vice President Mike Pence during the 2023 GOP primary and previously contributed to Marco Rubio and Jeb Bush during the 2016 primary cycle. Kies did support Trump during the 2016 general election, but records do not show contributions to Trump’s 2024 campaign.
Critics inside Trump-aligned circles say the pattern raises concerns about whether Kies, a longtime Washington lobbyist, is using his influence to bring in officials whose political histories may not align with Trump’s agenda as the former president begins staffing his second administration.
The Treasury Department has not publicly commented on the allegations. Kies has not responded to requests for comment
https://x.com/LauraLoomer/status/1995878315433890059
