Trump dismisses IRS Head Billy Long following a brief tenure of two months.
In an unexpected move, US President Donald Trump has removed Billy Long from his position as the head of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) after just two months in office. Long, a former Republican congressman, was nominated by Trump, confirmed by the Senate on June 12, 2025, and sworn in on June 16. However, his tenure was cut short, with his departure announced on August 8, 2025 [1][3].
The reasons behind Long's removal remain unclear, as the White House has remained silent on the matter. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has since taken over as the acting commissioner [1][3].
This move marks the sixth change in the IRS leadership in a relatively short period, a level of instability unprecedented since the IRS’s founding in 1862. This rapid turnover echoes the management turmoil that has persisted in the IRS since Trump took office [2].
Long's tenure was marked by controversy and clashes with Bessent, according to the "New York Times" [1]. Reports suggest that Long prematurely announced that the IRS's crucial tax filing season would begin at the end of next year, a statement later described as premature by the IRS [2].
Long, who had little experience in tax policy, was known for sending emails to all IRS employees allowing them to leave work early on Friday afternoons [2]. However, his tenure was also marked by "sensational blunders" [2].
Long's departure is said to exacerbate the turmoil in the agency's management. It is reported that he is being nominated for an ambassadorial post [1]. Scott Bessent, US Treasury Secretary, will take over the IRS position on an interim basis until a permanent successor is found [1].
The rapid turnover in IRS leadership likely contributes to uncertainty and volatility in the administration of tax policy and enforcement. While the IRS reported more efficient tax collection and a 5% increase in revenue this year, such frequent changes could disrupt long-term planning, enforcement consistency, and implementation of strategic priorities [1][2].
This unprecedented instability poses challenges for consistent US tax policy administration. As the IRS grapples with this turmoil, the agency's effectiveness and policy execution may be hampered [1][2].
[1] The Washington Post, August 8, 2025. [2] New York Times, August 9, 2025. [3] White House Press Release, August 8, 2025.
- The community and employment policies within the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may face significant challenges with the rapid turnover of leadership, as the sixth change in less than typical time frames has caused instability unprecedented since the IRS was founded in 1862.
- These dramatic changes in the IRS leadership and the subsequent uncertainty could impact not only legacy tax policy administration but also policy-and-legislation, general news, and even politics, since officials now contend with the potential for less effective and streamlined policy execution within the agency.
