President Donald Trump on Friday abruptly removed Internal Revenue Service Commissioner Billy Long, ending his tenure less than two months after a narrowly won Senate confirmation. The dismissal, first reported by The New York Times, was confirmed by a senior White House official, who offered no explanation for the move or timetable for Long’s departure.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will serve as acting IRS director, marking the sixth leadership change at the agency during Trump’s second term. The appointment adds to Bessent’s existing portfolio, placing the agency’s operations under the direct oversight of the president’s top economic adviser, according to The New York Times.
Long, whose Senate confirmation on June 12 passed 53–44 along party lines, announced his next post within hours of the news. “It is a honor to serve my friend President Trump and I am excited to take on my new role as the ambassador to Iceland,” Long posted on Twitter. “I am thrilled to answer his call to service and deeply committed to advancing his bold agenda. Exciting times ahead!”
“It is a honor to serve my friend President Trump and I am excited to take on my new role as the ambassador to Iceland. I am thrilled to answer his call to service and deeply committed to advancing his bold agenda. Exciting times ahead!” – Billy Long
— Billy Long (@auctnr1) August 8, 2025
A former auctioneer and Republican congressman from Missouri’s 7th District, Long served in the House from 2011 to 2023, where he sponsored legislation to abolish the IRS—a position that drew attention when Trump tapped him to lead it in December 2024. At the time, Trump lauded him as “an extremely hard worker, [and] respected by all.” Long also became known for a 2011 House floor speech in which he jokingly auctioned off the national debt.
The IRS has faced persistent turnover and operational strain during Trump’s second term, with reports of staffing shortages and shifting policy priorities. Bessent inherits those challenges while continuing his duties as Treasury Secretary. An IRS spokesperson declined to comment, directing inquiries to the Treasury Department. The White House has not disclosed the reasons for Long’s removal, leaving questions over the agency’s future direction unanswered.
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I would be willing to “bet the farm” that Billy did not write those words himself. Look at the guy.
What were his qualifications to head the IRS ???
Purge the whole IRS then A-Z