Senators criticize Trump administration's plan for taxpayer data access

Several US senators are expressing strong concern over reports that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) are looking to access sensitive taxpayer information from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). They warn that this plan could target vulnerable groups, including immigrants. Senators Alex Padilla, Catherine Cortez Masto, and Ron Wyden issued a joint statement saying the Trump Administration's plans could have serious consequences for the economy and taxpayer privacy. They have called for transparency and want the administration to publicly disclose any agreements between the IRS and DHS. The senators, along with more than a dozen colleagues, sent a letter to DHS and IRS officials demanding clarity on ongoing or future data-sharing agreements. They highlighted the risks of providing the DHS with taxpayer information, especially that of undocumented immigrants, which could lead to discrimination. In their letter, they criticized efforts to link IRS data with federal benefits databases as a violation of privacy laws. They pointed out that taxpayer information is protected to prevent misuse, noting historical abuses involving the IRS. The senators also raised concerns about the recent removal of William Paul, the Acting IRS Chief Counsel, who reportedly opposed breaking privacy laws. They warned that allowing DHS and DOGE access to taxpayer data could reduce trust in the IRS and affect its ability to enforce tax laws effectively. The senators emphasized the need for the IRS to focus on major tax fraud rather than investigating small businesses suspected of hiring undocumented workers.