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President Donald Trump has abruptly removed Billy Long from his role as commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), less than two months after his Senate confirmation, the White House announced on Friday.
Long, a former Republican congressman and auctioneer with limited tax policy experience, reportedly clashed with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and made public missteps during his brief tenure. In one instance, he prematurely announced that the IRS filing season would start late next year — a claim later retracted by the agency.
Known for his outgoing personality, Long attempted to boost morale within the IRS, granting early Friday departures and personally visiting agency offices across the country. In a staff email on Thursday, he joked about a “70-minute early exit” ahead of his 70th birthday.
The administration said Bessent will serve as acting commissioner until a replacement is confirmed, making him the seventh person to lead the IRS under Trump.
Long announced on social media that he would be nominated as U.S. ambassador to Iceland, calling it 'an honor' to serve the president and pledging commitment to Trump’s agenda.
His removal comes at a critical time for the IRS, which is tasked with implementing the Republican tax overhaul passed last month. Former officials warn that leadership instability and significant staff losses — more than 25,000 employees since Trump took office — could hinder the agency’s ability to manage new tax regulations.
Congressional budget cuts under consideration could further strain the IRS as it works with the Treasury Department to finalize rules on issues like eligibility for new tax breaks on tipped income and overtime pay.
For decades, IRS commissioners served five-year terms to reduce political influence in the role, but Trump’s choice to nominate Long last year marked a break from that tradition.
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