Trump dismisses IRS commissioner Billy Long following a tenure of only two months in office
President Donald Trump has made a surprise decision to remove Billy Long from his role as commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) after only two months in the position. The administration did not provide an immediate official reason, but reports suggest that Long's alleged refusal to provide tax information to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on individuals suspected of living in the U.S. illegally may have been a factor.
Following Long's removal, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will serve as the acting IRS commissioner until a permanent replacement is appointed. Bessent becomes the seventh person to head the IRS this year, continuing a pattern of rapid leadership changes at the agency.
Billy Long has been nominated to serve as the U.S. ambassador to Iceland, a new role he accepted after leaving the IRS commissioner position. The GOP-controlled Senate approved Long in a 53 to 44 vote along party lines on June 12.
Senate Finance Committee ranking member Ronald Wyden issued a scathing statement in reaction to Long's change of position. Wyden criticized the Trump administration for what he described as the gutting of taxpayer service, weaponizing IRS data against innocent taxpayers, and setting up the agency for disaster during the next filing season.
Billy Long's tenure as IRS commissioner lasted for two months, significantly shorter than the term originally slated to run through Nov. 12, 2027, according to the IRS website. It is unclear at this time when a permanent replacement for Long will be appointed.
The IRS modernization program is reportedly $15B over budget and 30 years overdue, adding to the turmoil and uncertainty at the agency. Despite the leadership changes and budgetary issues, IRS tax collection is more efficient this year, with receipts up more than 5%.
It is worth noting that Billy Long once backed legislation that would have abolished the IRS and replaced income taxes with a national sales tax. The IRS did not immediately respond to FOX Business' request for comment regarding Long's removal.
[1] Fox News Digital: "Trump removes IRS Commissioner Billy Long after two months on the job" [2] The Hill: "Trump removes IRS Commissioner Billy Long after two months" [3] CNBC: "Billy Long, Trump's IRS commissioner, nominated to be U.S. ambassador to Iceland" [4] Politico: "Trump removes IRS Commissioner Billy Long" [5] Reuters: "Trump removes IRS Commissioner Billy Long, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to take over"
- "The ongoing controversy surrounding Billy Long's removal as IRS commissioner has sparked discussions in policy-and-legislation circles, with many questioning the implications of this decision on taxes and revenue."
- "As politics surrounding the IRS unfolds, general news outlets continue to monitor the situation closely, reporting on the appointments, leadership changes, and budgetary issues at the agency."
