Billy Long, the former congressman from Missouri and recently confirmed IRS Commissioner, has been removed from office by former President Donald Trump just two months into his tenure. The abrupt dismissal has stunned political observers, raised questions about the internal politics of the Trump administration, and reignited debates over the politicization of federal agencies like the Internal Revenue Service.
Long’s brief time as the head of the IRS is now officially the shortest tenure for any Senate-confirmed commissioner in the agency’s history. His removal comes at a moment of increased scrutiny over federal tax enforcement, massive staffing shortages at the IRS, and long-standing calls for reform.
Who Is Billy Long?
Billy Long was best known for his colorful background and unconventional path into public service. Before entering politics, Long was a professional auctioneer and radio show host in Springfield, Missouri. He later served as a Republican U.S. Representative for Missouri’s 7th congressional district from 2011 to 2023.
During his time in Congress, Long was a vocal supporter of former President Trump and gained a reputation for his populist tone and loyalty to the MAGA movement. Although not a member of any tax-writing committee, Long made headlines in 2021 for advocating to abolish the IRS entirely—a position that critics said made him an odd choice to eventually lead the agency.
Despite these contradictions, Billy Long was nominated by Trump in 2025 and narrowly confirmed by the Senate in June in a 53–44 vote.
A Controversial Nomination from the Start
From the moment his nomination was announced, Billy Long’s appointment drew widespread skepticism. Unlike previous IRS Commissioners who typically had extensive backgrounds in law, finance, or tax administration, Long had no formal tax experience. He also lacked the regulatory and executive credentials typically required to oversee a sprawling agency like the IRS, which processes trillions of dollars in federal revenue each year.
Democrats and some moderate Republicans raised concerns over Long’s ties to private firms that marketed pandemic-era tax credits, particularly the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC). The IRS had already flagged widespread fraud in relation to these credits, and Long’s endorsement of certain ERTC promoters came under scrutiny during his confirmation hearing.
Critics also questioned whether Long could lead the agency impartially, noting his prior political advocacy and comments against the IRS’s role in federal governance.
Swift Confirmation, Swift Departure
In spite of the controversy, Billy Long was confirmed to a full five-year term in mid-2025. His swearing-in was a highly publicized event at the White House, with Trump calling Long “a true patriot who understands the frustrations of the American taxpayer.”
However, less than 60 days later, Long’s term came to an unceremonious end. According to multiple sources within the administration, the decision to remove Long was made directly by Trump, though no official explanation has yet been offered.
Some reports suggest that Trump had grown disillusioned with Long’s performance, while others indicate that ongoing ethics reviews and internal policy disagreements may have played a role.
Scott Bessent Named Acting IRS Commissioner
Following Long’s ouster, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was named acting IRS Commissioner. Bessent, a former hedge fund executive and Trump ally, is expected to hold the post until a new nominee is submitted to the Senate.
The transition leaves the IRS in a familiar state of flux. In the last twelve months, the agency has cycled through six different commissioners or acting commissioners. The leadership churn has added to fears that the IRS—already under strain from funding cuts and outdated infrastructure—will be unable to effectively serve American taxpayers or enforce tax laws.
What Led to Billy Long’s Firing?
The exact reasons behind Billy Long’s firing remain unclear. However, multiple factors likely contributed to his removal:
1. Lack of Professional Qualifications
Long’s resume lacked the technical expertise and bureaucratic experience typically associated with leading a complex federal agency. Critics inside and outside the government reportedly questioned his ability to manage IRS operations and navigate the intricate tax code.
2. Public and Political Backlash
Within weeks of his confirmation, Long faced public criticism for his prior association with firms promoting questionable tax schemes. Some members of Congress had begun pushing for hearings into whether his past endorsements violated federal ethics standards.
3. Tensions with Trump Administration Insiders
Reports have surfaced of internal friction between Long and senior officials at the Treasury Department. Differences in policy approach, staffing decisions, and overall direction of the IRS may have contributed to a rapid breakdown in support from within the administration.
Reaction from Washington
Long’s removal sent shockwaves through Capitol Hill. Democrats, who had opposed his nomination, expressed vindication and concern over the broader implications of executive overreach. Republicans were more divided—some praised Trump’s willingness to course-correct, while others expressed confusion over the decision.
Several lawmakers stressed the importance of stabilizing leadership at the IRS to avoid further disruptions during tax season and ongoing audits.
House Ways and Means Committee members from both parties called for greater transparency, with one senior Democrat stating, “This whiplash in leadership is eroding public trust in one of our most important federal agencies.”
The IRS Under the Trump Administration
Since returning to office, former President Trump has made reshaping the IRS a top priority. His administration has cut staff, reduced audit rates for large corporations, and restructured enforcement priorities. Critics say these moves have undermined the agency’s ability to ensure tax compliance among wealthy individuals and businesses.
Trump has also increased direct political oversight over IRS operations—a shift that worries legal scholars and government watchdogs alike.
With Billy Long out, the president is expected to seek a more ideologically aligned nominee who can implement further reforms with minimal resistance.
What’s Next for Billy Long?
Despite his swift removal, Billy Long may not be disappearing from public life. Some reports suggest that Trump may consider him for a diplomatic appointment or another senior government role that plays to his communication skills and political connections rather than his administrative aptitude.
Long himself has not yet released a statement. Known for his flamboyant personality and media savvy, he may choose to speak publicly in the coming days about the reasons behind his firing—and possibly position himself as a political martyr within MAGA circles.
IRS Faces Turbulent Road Ahead
For the IRS, Billy Long’s departure is yet another chapter in a period of intense instability. The agency is dealing with an immense workload, including processing backlogged returns, managing new tax credit programs, and modernizing decades-old systems.
Leadership vacuums only complicate these challenges. Acting Commissioner Scott Bessent now faces the difficult task of restoring morale, stabilizing operations, and preparing the agency for the 2026 tax season—all without knowing how long he will be in the role.
Conclusion: A Symbol of a Broader Shift
The sudden firing of Billy Long as IRS Commissioner reflects more than just internal drama—it symbolizes a deeper transformation within the federal government, where loyalty often takes precedence over experience, and political alignment can outweigh professional qualifications.
As Trump continues to remake the executive branch in his image, agencies like the IRS may find themselves caught between political winds and public responsibility.
In the meantime, taxpayers, businesses, and lawmakers alike are left to watch—and wait—as new leadership attempts to steer the IRS through one of the most politically charged eras in its history.
