The National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), which represents workers in federal agencies, including the IRS, has officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president. The union praised Harris’s advocacy for increased resources and staffing at the IRS, which they see as necessary to improve government operations. This endorsement reflects a broader alignment with the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to invest in federal employees.

In a statement, NTEU National President Doreen Greenwald highlighted Harris’s commitment to treating federal workers with respect and ensuring they have the resources they need to serve the American people. "When it comes to treating federal employees with respect, valuing their service, and investing in their work, Kamala Harris is the clear choice," said Greenwald.

However, the endorsement has drawn significant backlash from conservative commentators and libertarian groups on social media, who see it as a sign of future tax increases and government expansion, Fox News reported.

IRS Funding Increases Under Scrutiny

The Biden-Harris administration has significantly increased the IRS’s budget through legislative efforts such as the Inflation Reduction Act. The act allocated $80 billion over the next decade to rebuild the IRS and hire 87,000 new agents, an initiative touted by supporters as crucial for closing tax loopholes and ensuring proper tax enforcement. Harris has been a vocal advocate of these measures, which the NTEU sees as beneficial for both federal employees and the efficiency of government operations.

This endorsement comes amid the Biden administration’s 2025 budget proposal, which includes a further $104 billion allocation for the IRS. Critics argue that this level of funding is excessive and signals a worrying expansion of federal power.

Former congressman Jason Chaffetz questioned the rationale behind such increases, pointing out that the new proposal is eight times larger than the IRS's previous annual budget.

Critics Fear Over-Taxation and Government Overreach

Conservative commentators were quick to respond to the NTEU’s endorsement of Harris, with many viewing it as an indication of more aggressive tax policies ahead. Prominent right-wing voices took to social media to voice their concerns about the potential consequences for taxpayers.

Joey Mannarino, a political commentator, tweeted, "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!" His message resonated with others in the conservative space, many of whom view the endorsement as evidence of what they perceive as overreach by the Biden-Harris administration.

Libertarian groups echoed similar sentiments. "Being Libertarian," a well-known social media page, criticized the endorsement, suggesting that Harris is receiving support from groups that align with expanding government control. Other libertarian influencers, such as "The Redheaded Libertarian," mocked the endorsement, posting, "Was Satan not available?"

Union Support and Harris’s Federal Employee Record

For its part, the NTEU stands firmly behind its decision to endorse Harris. The union’s press release praised her record on federal employee issues and the administration’s efforts to provide resources for key government services. Greenwald emphasized that Harris’s leadership has helped federal employees fulfill their roles more effectively, contributing to better service for the American public.

The union’s endorsement is not surprising, given the Biden administration’s efforts to rebuild the IRS, which has been underfunded for years. The administration’s goals, as outlined in the Inflation Reduction Act and subsequent budget proposals, aim to modernize the agency and ensure it has the staffing and tools necessary to enforce tax laws more efficiently.

Inflation Reduction Act at the Heart of the Debate

The Inflation Reduction Act remains a focal point in the debate over IRS funding. Proponents argue that the $80 billion investment will help the IRS go after high-income tax evaders and close the so-called "tax gap." The funding is intended to allow the IRS to modernize its systems, improve enforcement, and hire enough staff to handle the increasing complexity of tax administration.

However, the hiring of 87,000 new agents has been a lightning rod for criticism from the right. Critics argue that this influx of personnel will lead to more audits for average Americans, despite assurances from the administration that the focus will be on high-income earners and corporations.

Backlash Highlights Partisan Divide

As the race for the presidency intensifies, the NTEU’s endorsement of Harris has underscored the sharp partisan divide on tax and government issues. While the endorsement is a clear victory for Harris’s campaign, it has also become a rallying point for her critics.

Political commentator Greg Price summed up the views of many on the right, stating, "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." Price’s comments reflect the deep distrust many conservatives have toward institutions they view as aligned with increased government control.

Meanwhile, libertarian voices like "Comfortably Smug" and "Being Libertarian" have amplified these concerns, with the former calling the very existence of an IRS union "horrific." These reactions signal the broader ideological battle over the role of government in citizens’ lives and the consequences of expanding federal power.

Looking Ahead to the Election

As Vice President Harris continues her campaign for the presidency, the NTEU’s endorsement has added another layer of complexity to the ongoing debate over taxes, government spending, and federal oversight. With strong opinions on both sides of the issue, the union’s backing could serve to energize both her supporters and her detractors as the election season heats up.

The role of the IRS, long a contentious subject in American politics, is likely to remain at the center of this debate as Harris’s critics warn of increased taxation, while her allies defend the need for a well-funded government agency capable of holding the wealthy accountable.