In a surprising turn of events, President Trump has ousted Billy Long as the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) after a mere two months in office, marking a period of leadership instability within the agency. Long, a former Republican congressman from Missouri, had been confirmed by the Senate in June 2025, becoming the fifth individual to helm the IRS since Trump’s inauguration in January 2025. According to reports from The New York Times, the swift removal has raised eyebrows across the political spectrum.
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Sudden Departure and Acting Leadership
Following Long’s departure, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will assume the role of acting IRS Commissioner, as confirmed by Reuters. This interim appointment will remain in effect until a permanent replacement is nominated and confirmed. The speed of Long’s removal, so soon after his confirmation, has triggered speculation and scrutiny regarding the motivations behind the decision.
Billy Long’s Brief Tenure
Long’s time as IRS Commissioner, though short-lived, was characterized by a focus on downsizing the agency. As reported by CNN, his initiatives included placing high-ranking officials on administrative leave and advocating for a significant reduction in the IRS’s workforce. He also reportedly sent emails to IRS employees, as detailed by The Independent, encouraging them to leave work early on Friday afternoons, a move that drew both amusement and criticism.
Controversial Background and Qualifications
Prior to his appointment, Long’s qualifications for the IRS Commissioner position were questioned by Senate Democrats. The Associated Press highlighted concerns about his limited experience in the tax industry and his previous association with a firm that promoted a controversial tax credit scheme allegedly riddled with fraud. Furthermore, as The Guardian noted, Long had previously sponsored legislation aimed at abolishing the IRS during his tenure in Congress, raising questions about his commitment to leading the agency.
Reactions and Media Coverage
The news of Long’s removal has been widely reported across various media outlets, reflecting the significance of the event. Yahoo News Canada and The Economic Times are among the publications that have covered the story, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding the IRS’s leadership. The Los Angeles Times also reported on the situation, further amplifying the national attention on the agency’s current state.
Future Prospects: Ambassador to Iceland?
Despite his abrupt departure from the IRS, Long’s career trajectory appears to be taking an unexpected turn. According to sources cited by multiple news outlets, including Reuters, he is now expected to be nominated as the U.S. Ambassador to Iceland. This potential appointment has added another layer of intrigue to the situation, prompting further discussion about the rationale behind his removal from the IRS and his suitability for a diplomatic role.
The “Purge” Attempt
One of the most notable aspects of Long’s brief tenure was his apparent desire to drastically reshape the IRS through what some described as a “purge.” As reported by several sources, including The New York Times, Long openly advocated for a significant reduction in the agency’s workforce and the removal of personnel he deemed unnecessary. This approach, while potentially aimed at streamlining operations, raised concerns about the potential for disruption and the loss of institutional knowledge within the IRS.
Leadership Instability at the IRS
Long’s departure underscores a pattern of leadership instability at the IRS in recent years. The fact that he was the fifth person to lead the agency since President Trump’s inauguration in January 2025 highlights the challenges of maintaining consistent direction and policy implementation within the IRS. This frequent turnover can create uncertainty for both IRS employees and taxpayers, potentially impacting the agency’s ability to effectively fulfill its critical functions.
Conclusion
The swift removal of Billy Long as IRS Commissioner after only two months in office represents a significant event with potential ramifications for the agency’s future. His short tenure, marked by controversial proposals and a focus on downsizing, has given way to renewed uncertainty as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent assumes the role of acting commissioner. With Long now potentially headed for a diplomatic post as U.S. Ambassador to Iceland, the focus shifts to the search for a permanent replacement and the ongoing challenges of leadership stability at the IRS.
