President Donald Trump shocks the nation with a bold plan to reassign 88,000 IRS agents to guard the US-Mexico border, leaving many wondering about the future of tax collection and border security.
At a Glance
- Trump proposes shifting 88,000 IRS agents to border security roles
- Plan includes federal hiring freeze and creation of an “External Revenue Service”
- Proposal aims to overhaul trade system and reduce federal government size
- Trump suggests using IRS agents’ firearms training for border protection
- Initiative part of broader ‘Save America’ agenda focusing on government efficiency
Trump’s Audacious Plan: From Tax Collection to Border Protection
In a stunning move that’s sent shockwaves through Washington, President Donald Trump has unveiled a plan to dramatically reshape the federal workforce. Speaking at a rally in Nevada, Trump outlined his vision to freeze hiring at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and reassign a projected 88,000 new recruits to bolster border security instead. This bold strategy aims to address two of Trump’s key priorities: streamlining government operations and strengthening national defense.
Trump’s proposal takes direct aim at the $80 billion funding plan for the IRS approved by President Joe Biden under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. The former president’s plan would effectively halt the hiring of thousands of new IRS enforcement staff, redirecting these resources to what he sees as a more pressing national concern: border security.
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
Leveraging IRS Agents’ Skills for Border Protection
In justifying this unprecedented shift, Trump highlighted an unexpected connection between IRS agents and border security personnel: their authorization to carry firearms. “You know, they’re so strong on guns. But these people are allowed to carry guns. So we will probably move them to the border,” Trump stated, suggesting that the agents’ weapons training could be repurposed for border protection duties.
“They hired, or tried to hire, 88,000 workers to go after you, and we’re in the process of developing a plan to either terminate all of them, or maybe we’ll move them to the border.” – Donald Trump – Source
This statement underscores Trump’s broader narrative of protecting American citizens from what he perceives as government overreach, while simultaneously addressing national security concerns. The proposal has sparked intense debate, with supporters praising its efficiency and critics questioning its feasibility and impact on tax enforcement.
Overhauling the Federal Government and Trade System
Trump’s plan extends beyond the IRS and border security, encompassing a comprehensive overhaul of the federal government and trade system. A key component of this strategy is the creation of an “External Revenue Service,” tasked with collecting tariffs and other trade-related revenues. This new entity would align with Trump’s vision of using tariffs as a primary fiscal mechanism, potentially replacing or supplementing traditional income tax structures.
“I will immediately begin the overhaul of our trade system to protect American workers and families.” – Donald Trump – Source
The president also announced plans to appoint tech mogul Elon Musk to lead a new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), with the mandate to cut federal jobs and streamline government functions. This move signals Trump’s commitment to reducing the size and scope of the federal government, a long-standing conservative goal.
Implementing the Federal Hiring Freeze
Central to Trump’s plan is a broad federal hiring freeze, effective immediately upon his hypothetical return to office. This freeze would apply to all executive departments and agencies, with specific exceptions for military personnel, positions related to immigration enforcement, national security, public safety, and the provision of essential benefits.
“By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order a freeze on the hiring of Federal civilian employees, to be applied throughout the executive branch.” – President – Source
The freeze is designed to be temporary for most agencies, expiring upon the issuance of a comprehensive plan to reduce the federal workforce through efficiency measures and attrition. However, for the IRS, the freeze would remain in effect until further notice, underscoring Trump’s focus on reshaping this particular agency.
As the nation grapples with these proposed changes, the debate over the role and size of government, tax policy, and border security is set to intensify. Trump’s bold plan has certainly succeeded in one aspect: reigniting passionate discussions about the future direction of American governance and national priorities.
