For those that believe that government should be run more like a company — having five different leaders in the same role in a year is a sign of complete chaos and dysfunction in any company.

Mr Trump will reportedly replace the acting boss of the Internal Revenue Service after Scott Bessent, the treasury secretary, complained to the president. Gary Shapley, who was appointed just three days ago, was apparently installed at the behest of Elon Musk, even though the IRS commissioner reports to Mr Bessent. Mr Shapley’s replacement will be the fifth to hold the job this year. — The Economist, The World in Brief, April 19 2025