The National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), representing various federal employees, including IRS agents, has officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president.

The NTEU's endorsement has sparked backlash from various corners on social media, with critics concerned about the implications of increased IRS powers and funding under a Harris administration, as Fox News reports, and some suggesting that the nod will hurt, not help her campaign.

Harris' Advocacy for IRS Funding

The NTEU’s endorsement was issued in a public statement earlier this week, praising Harris for her work in ensuring the federal government, particularly the IRS, has adequate resources to perform its duties. NTEU National President Doreen Greenwald highlighted Harris’ efforts to treat federal employees with respect and her ongoing commitment to providing them with the resources they need. The statement emphasized that Harris shares the union’s values of making the government work for all Americans.

The endorsement comes as Harris continues to promote policies aimed at increasing the federal government’s effectiveness. Her support for expanding the IRS budget is viewed as part of a broader initiative to ensure that tax enforcement is robust and that all Americans are held accountable for their financial obligations to the government.

Inflation Reduction Act's Impact on IRS

This endorsement is also tied to the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to increase IRS funding. The Inflation Reduction Act, a cornerstone of the administration’s fiscal policy, included an $80 billion boost for the IRS over the next decade. This significant investment allows the IRS to hire up to 87,000 new agents to ensure better tax enforcement and service. Critics of the endorsement have pointed out that this funding surge has stoked fears of heightened taxation and government overreach.

Some, like conservative commentator Joey Mannarino, voiced concerns that Harris’ close ties to the IRS could lead to an aggressive expansion of tax audits and collection efforts. Mannarino took to social media, warning, “The IRS Agents Union just endorsed Kamala Harris. That should tell you all what her plans are for us. Get ready to be taxed to death. VOTE TRUMP!”

IRS Budget Proposal Under Fire

The criticism did not stop with social media. The Biden-Harris administration's 2025 budget proposal, which calls for an additional $104 billion for the IRS, has raised alarm among conservative voices. Jason Chaffetz, a prominent critic of the administration, questioned the necessity of such a massive increase, especially so soon after the $80 billion injection from the Inflation Reduction Act. "That’s eight times the annual budget, just two years after Congress appropriated an amount that was seven times the agency’s annual budget. What is going on here?" Chaffetz said, reflecting concerns over potential misuse of federal funds.

Opponents of the budget increase argue that the additional funding could be better spent on other priorities, rather than further expanding the IRS. They fear this could result in an overbearing federal tax apparatus that would disproportionately affect middle-class Americans.

Backlash on Social Media Grows

The endorsement has also triggered reactions from libertarian and conservative groups, who are wary of the potential consequences of expanded IRS powers. Greg Price, a conservative political strategist, expressed frustration, tweeting, “If the IRS, the FBI, Wall Street, Iran, Putin, the military-industrial complex, the New York Times, Iran, 100 former McCain interns, and Dick Cheney all want one candidate to win then, for the love of God, vote for the other one.”

Another libertarian voice, known online as “Being Libertarian,” added to the chorus of criticism, stating, “All the worst people in the world are endorsing Kamala. Weird.” These statements reflect a broader concern that Harris’ policies could align with more intrusive and punitive government practices.

Concerns Over Unionized IRS

In addition to the IRS budget debate, the fact that the IRS is unionized at all has sparked a separate line of criticism. Some have pointed out that a union representing federal agents tasked with tax collection creates a conflict of interest.

“The fact that the IRS is unionized is horrific, let alone that Kamala Harris thinks their endorsement is a good thing,” wrote a user known as Comfortably Smug.

The presence of such a powerful union, critics argue, gives the IRS even more leverage in shaping policy that directly affects Americans’ finances.

Outrage Among Conservatives Grows

Among the loudest critics are conservative commentators who are urging voters to take this endorsement as a sign of what to expect from a Harris presidency. The Hodge Twins, well-known conservative influencers, summed up their disapproval succinctly, posting, "IRS agents endorsed Kamala" accompanied by red flag emojis.

Even more scathing was the reaction from “The Redheaded Libertarian,” who sarcastically remarked, “Was Satan not available?” This hyperbolic rhetoric underscores the degree of opposition that Harris faces from certain factions on the right.

What Endorsement Means for 2024

As the 2024 election approaches, Harris’ endorsement from the NTEU is likely to play a significant role in shaping perceptions of her candidacy. Her close association with IRS policies and the union that represents its agents could be a point of contention on the campaign trail. While her supporters within the NTEU see her as an advocate for federal employees and efficient government, her critics fear her policies could lead to an overreach of federal power, particularly when it comes to tax enforcement.

In the coming months, as the race for the presidency heats up, the Harris campaign will likely face increasing scrutiny over her ties to the IRS and how her policies could affect the average taxpayer.

Conclusion

The National Treasury Employees Union’s endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris has triggered a wave of criticism, particularly from conservatives and libertarians concerned about expanding IRS powers.

Harris’ support for significantly increasing the IRS budget, both through the Inflation Reduction Act and the 2025 budget proposal, has become a focal point for her detractors.

With the 2024 election on the horizon, this endorsement will likely be a key issue, as critics continue to raise alarms about the potential for higher taxes and a more aggressive IRS under a Harris administration.