President Trump and Scott Bessent reportedly plan to use the IRS’s criminal division to target left-wing funding networks and ANTIFA, per WSJ.

In a stunning political development, reports suggest that former President Donald Trump, alongside financial strategist Scott Bessent, is preparing to use the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to investigate and dismantle left-wing funding networks allegedly tied to political violence and ANTIFA.

According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, the plan would be executed through the IRS’s criminal division, marking one of the most aggressive uses of federal tax enforcement for political and national security purposes in modern U.S. history.

A New Front in Trump’s Political Agenda

Sources familiar with the discussions say Trump and Bessent, who is expected to play a key role in economic policy should Trump return to the White House, view the IRS as a “powerful but underused weapon” in addressing what they describe as “organized funding pipelines for radical activism.”

The proposed strategy reportedly focuses on tracing tax-exempt organizations, donor networks, and non-profit entities suspected of funneling resources toward groups involved in political unrest or violent protests under the guise of social justice or activism.

If implemented, this would represent a dramatic shift in how federal financial oversight is used in domestic security — and could reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Critics Warn of Political Retaliation

Democrats and civil rights advocates have already sounded the alarm, warning that such actions could weaponize the IRS against political opponents.
“This would set a dangerous precedent,” one legal analyst told The Guardian. “Once the IRS is used as a political tool, it undermines public trust in government institutions.”

Progressive organizations also argue that the term ‘left-wing funding networks’ is overly broad and could be used to target legitimate non-profits and advocacy groups.

However, Trump’s allies argue that the move is necessary to restore accountability. “For years, conservative groups have faced scrutiny and audits,” one campaign adviser said. “Now, it’s time to investigate where the money behind violent protests really comes from.”

The Role of Scott Bessent

Scott Bessent, a hedge fund manager and former chief investment officer at Soros Fund Management, has been one of Trump’s most influential economic voices.
His involvement adds a layer of irony — given his past association with George Soros, a figure often cited by Trump supporters as emblematic of elite liberal funding networks.

Analysts say Bessent’s expertise in financial structures could make him a key architect in building what some are calling a “forensic economic task force” — an initiative designed to follow the money behind political movements.

What Comes Next

While the plan remains unofficial, insiders say the discussions are part of a broader second-term blueprint that includes restructuring the Department of Justice and reasserting control over key federal agencies.

If enacted, the use of the IRS’s criminal division to investigate political funding could trigger constitutional challenges and deepen partisan divides in Washington.

But supporters of the move insist that “restoring fairness” in tax and political funding enforcement is long overdue.
“Transparency isn’t partisan,” one Trump-aligned strategist said. “If some of these organizations are breaking the law, they should be held accountable — no matter who they support.”

Conclusion: A Political Gamble With Historic Consequences

Whether viewed as a bold move for justice or a dangerous overreach of power, Trump’s reported plan to unleash the IRS on left-wing networks signals a new era of political confrontation.

As the 2026 race looms, one thing is clear: the battle over money, power, and ideology in America is only just beginning.