In 2013, the IRS was forced to admit it had deliberately targeted conservative organizations with names like “Tea Party,” “Patriot,” and “9/12” for harassment and delays while they applied for tax-exempt status. Was this just one rogue operation, or part of a much longer pattern of the IRS being weaponized against political enemies?
This episode explores the creation of the IRS, its vast and invasive powers, and the repeated accusations of political abuse across multiple administrations. From Franklin Roosevelt’s use of the agency against critics, to Richard Nixon’s enemies list, through Barack Obama’s era and beyond, the IRS has faced credible claims that it has been turned into a tool to punish and intimidate opponents — especially those on the right.
We examine the Tea Party targeting scandal in detail, the central role of Lois Lerner, the congressional investigations that followed, and the fundamental question of whether any government agency in a free society should hold this kind of unchecked power over citizens’ finances, speech, and organizations.
When one agency can delay applications for years, audit critics, investigate, and seize assets, the real issue is accountability. Who watches the watchers?
Watch and decide for yourself.
Forgotten History is a 10th Legion Pictures Production.
Written and hosted by Colin D. Heaton. Forgotten History is a 10th Legion Pictures Production.
This video is for educational and commentary purposes. All information is presented based on publicly available sources. Allegations, claims, and historical accounts are included for informational context, and viewers are encouraged to conduct their own research.
