"IRS Official and Witnesses Dispute Whistleblower Allegations in Hunter Biden Tax Case"

A high-ranking IRS official, Michael Batdorf, has contradicted whistleblower Gary Shapley's claims of political interference in the Hunter Biden tax investigation. Batdorf testified that he removed Shapley from the case due to deteriorating relationships with US Attorney David Weiss, citing "investigative differences, prosecutorial differences." Batdorf also stated that Shapley's behavior and tendency to escalate issues were concerns. Shapley's legal team argues that his removal was retaliation for speaking up about the case's mishandling. Batdorf supported Shapley's decision to become a whistleblower and denied any political influence in the IRS's actions.