The IRS leadership shakeup intensified on Friday when President Donald Trump removed Billy Long as commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service. Long had served for less than two months, making his tenure the shortest of any Senate-confirmed IRS commissioner since the role was created in 1862.
Although the White House confirmed the move, officials gave no explanation for the sudden dismissal. Despite the unexpected exit, Long announced his next assignment with enthusiasm. In a post on social media, the former Missouri congressman shared that he would now serve as U.S. ambassador to Iceland. “It’s an honor to serve President Trump,” Long wrote. “I’m thrilled to begin this exciting new role.”
Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will serve as acting IRS commissioner. The White House confirmed Bessent’s temporary appointment during what it called a “period of transition.”
This IRS leadership shakeup follows months of instability within the nation’s tax agency. Since the beginning of Trump’s second term, the IRS has rotated through four acting commissioners. Staffing levels have also fallen sharply. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), tasked with cutting waste and streamlining operations, oversaw the departure of over 25,000 employees between January and May 2025.
Before his removal, Long had promised cultural reform within the IRS. “In my first 90 days, I plan to create a better work culture,” he told employees in a welcome message. Ironically, Long never reached that 90-day mark.
His appointment had already drawn scrutiny. While in Congress from 2011 to 2023, Long supported legislation to abolish the IRS altogether. He also lacked experience in tax administration, having previously worked as an auctioneer.
Further controversy surrounded Long’s ties to a COVID-era tax credit program. After leaving Congress, he worked with a firm promoting the employee retention tax credit, which the IRS later shut down due to widespread fraud. Democrats accused Long of benefiting from shady tax credit deals and demanded a criminal investigation into his connections.
Long’s brief term follows a series of leadership resignations. One acting commissioner stepped down after a controversial data-sharing deal with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Another’s appointment triggered a political clash between Elon Musk and Treasury Secretary Bessent.
The IRS leadership shakeup marks another major change as the Trump administration continues reshaping federal agencies. With Long headed to Iceland and Bessent stepping in, the agency’s future direction remains uncertain.
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