In a surprising move, President Donald Trump has dismissed Billy Long from his position as IRS commissioner, just under two months after the Senate confirmed him for the role.
The decision comes amidst ongoing turmoil within the IRS, which has struggled with leadership turnover since the start of Trump’s second term, and has seen significant staff reductions in recent months.
According to a White House official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, Long’s departure marks him as the shortest-serving IRS commissioner confirmed by the Senate since the agency’s inception in 1862.
In a social media post, Long expressed his gratitude, stating that Trump has nominated him for an ambassadorship to Iceland. He conveyed his excitement about the new role, indicating a dedication to advancing the President’s agenda.
Long, a former U.S. congressman from Missouri who served from 2011 to 2023, faced scrutiny during his confirmation process. His contentious history, particularly efforts to eliminate the IRS during his congressional tenure and his background with a firm that marketed dubious pandemic-related tax credits, raised concerns among Democrats.
His quick ouster amplifies concerns regarding the IRS, which has seen a revolving door of leadership. Before Long’s confirmation in June, there were four acting leaders within a short timeframe, illustrating a pattern of instability.
The IRS has also endured significant cutbacks under the Department of Government Efficiency’s initiatives, with a reported reduction of its workforce from 103,000 in January to 77,000 by May 2025, primarily due to efforts aimed at reducing government size.
Despite his limited time in office, Long outlined plans to foster a new culture within the IRS aimed at improving conditions for both employees and taxpayers in a message to IRS staff following his confirmation.
However, Long’s earlier connections to a firm involved in a fraudulent tax credit program led to increasing calls for criminal investigations from Democratic lawmakers. They allege that certain tax credit loopholes linked to Long’s associates resulted in misleading investors, costing millions.
The IRS has faced significant challenges over the years, including a contentious relationship with Democrats regarding data-sharing agreements with the Department of Homeland Security. These complications contributed to the resignation of one of Long’s predecessors.
With the appointment of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent as acting IRS commissioner, the agency continues to navigate the existing instability within its leadership.
As Long transitions to his new role as ambassador, many will watch closely to see how the IRS copes with ongoing changes and challenges ahead, tightening its operational framework while addressing past legislative oversights.
This recent development raises questions about the evolving landscape of tax policy and administration under the Trump administration, as Long’s removal adds a new chapter to the agency’s tumultuous recent history.
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