- Billy Long removed as IRS commissioner less than two months after Senate confirmation.
- Trump administration continues major IRS leadership and staffing shake-up.
- Long faced scrutiny over lack of tax policy experience and promotion of a controversial tax credit.
Former Rep. Billy Long (R-Mo.) is out as IRS commissioner less than two months after winning Senate confirmation, a White House official confirmed to The Hill. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will now take over the agency on an acting basis. Long, a staunch ally of President Trump, was confirmed in June by a 53–44 party-line vote, with all Democrats opposed—largely citing his lack of tax policy experience.
A Swift Exit Amid Trump’s IRS Overhaul
The move comes as part of President Trump’s sweeping shake-up at the IRS. His administration has aggressively rolled back staffing expansions approved under Biden, which had been aimed at hiring thousands of workers to pursue tax enforcement. The National Taxpayer Advocate recently reported that the IRS’s taxpayer services division was on track to lose about 22% of its workforce. Long becomes the fifth person to lead the agency since Trump’s second term began in January—most others serving only in acting roles.
Controversy and Scrutiny
Long’s short tenure was shadowed by a Senate Democratic inquiry launched last December into his role in promoting a pandemic-era tax credit that’s been plagued by fraudulent claims. His critics also pointed to his unconventional résumé for the position—before serving in Congress from 2011 to 2023, Long had been an auctioneer and real estate broker, and once even sponsored legislation to abolish the IRS altogether.
No Comment from the IRS
The IRS has not issued an official statement on Long’s departure. For now, all eyes are on Bessent’s interim leadership as the agency navigates staff cuts, ongoing political tension, and the pressure to maintain core services with a shrinking workforce.
