Ex-IRS Contractor Charged For Stealing, Leaking Trump’s Tax Data

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has unveiled criminal charges against Charles Edward Littlejohn, a former IRS contractor, for allegedly disseminating confidential tax return information, predominantly related to President Donald Trump, to media outlets. The critical revelation throws a spotlight on the serious lapses in procedural safeguards meant to shield sensitive taxpayer data, casting shadows over the integrity of our government institutions and the ethics of media consumption of such unlawfully obtained information.

Littlejohn, 38, was involved with the IRS between 2018 and 2020. He is being accused of illicitly acquiring and distributing the tax data, some dating back over 15 years, to two media outlets, namely The New York Times and ProPublica. However, court documents initially did not disclose this information. The respective media outlets later released numerous articles detailing the acquired tax information.

The charges expose serious flaws and are a severe black eye in the IRS’s security framework, as a contractor was able to procure and disclose sensitive data, thus violating taxpayers’ trust and rights. Notably, both media organizations mentioned above have not been accused of any wrongdoing concerning publishing the obtained information. It raises questions about whether media outlets should be held accountable for using data obtained unlawfully. Such actions underline the need for a responsible media that honors journalistic integrity and legal principles.

While many media outlets aired these tax documents with glaring headlines, the charging documents did not disclose the identity of “Public Official A,” but it is largely believed and reported by numerous publications that this refers to Donald Trump. These leaks have been a significant embarrassment for the tax agency, stirring substantial controversy and concern among Republicans about American history’s most significant breach of confidential tax information. “IRS guardrails failed to prevent this brazen breach of taxpayer rights,” Sen. Mike Crapo commented on the security failings of the IRS.

Republican lawmakers have asserted that these unauthorized disclosures raise profound queries about the safety and security of taxpayers’ information. It’s been highlighted that the IRS had been neglectful with taxpayers’ data for years and dismissive of computer and information security recommendations. Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO) emphasized the public’s right to clarity on this breach of trust, stressing that the IRS, Treasury, and the inspector general owe an explanation to the American people on the measures being undertaken to ensure such breaches are not repeated.

Littlejohn faces a charge of unauthorized disclosure of tax returns and return information. If convicted, he could face up to five years in federal prison.  

In the wake of this breach, the IRS proclaimed that it had fortified its security protocols to thwart any future disclosures of taxpayer information and highlighted its ongoing commitment to safeguarding taxpayer data. “Any disclosure of taxpayer information is unacceptable,” emphasized IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel.