President Donald Trump has taken a decisive step by removing Billy Long from his position as the head of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and appointing Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent as the acting commissioner, as the Daily Mail reports. This unexpected move comes just two months after Long was confirmed by the Senate.
Long, who had been previously criticized for his lack of experience in tax policy, is expected to be nominated for an ambassadorship following his brief tenure at the IRS.
The recent change in leadership at the IRS marks the removal of the fifth commissioner since the beginning of Trump’s administration. Billy Long, who previously served as a Missouri House lawmaker, faced scrutiny from Democrat lawmakers during his confirmation process. Concerns were raised regarding his limited expertise in tax matters and his promotion of certain pandemic-era tax credits, which were allegedly associated with fraudulent claims.
Throughout his time at the IRS, Long assisted in the ongoing restructuring efforts led by the Trump administration. These efforts aimed to overhaul the agency's top echelons. During his short-lived tenure, Long announced an initiative for the IRS's taxpayer services division, although it was overshadowed by a report from the National Taxpayer Advocate indicating a projected reduction in workforce by 22%.
The IRS has also been embroiled in legal challenges involving the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Previously, watchdog organizations had filed lawsuits against DOGE during Elon Musk’s tenure, criticizing attempts to access IRS taxpayer information.
Under the Trump administration, pressures have mounted on past acting commissioners, leading to resignations as they were pressed to share confidential taxpayer data with Homeland Security's immigration authorities. This marked a significant era of tension within the agency.
Long's time at the IRS was reportedly fraught with internal conflicts. During his service, clashes emerged between him and Scott Bessent, serving as Treasury secretary. According to reports, Long felt constrained by Bessent, being allegedly required to seek approval for each decision he made.
This tension highlighted the ongoing power struggles within the Trump administration concerning control and direction over the IRS and its initiatives. Long's attempt to announce a postponed IRS tax filing season was later rectified, exemplifying miscommunication and the challenges he faced.
Despite these challenges, Long’s service did see some supportive efforts in driving the Trump administration’s strategies, including the removal of several top officials within the IRS. These changes were part of a broader plan to reshape the agency according to the administration’s objectives.
A key outcome of the administration's strategies has been a noticeable decline in IRS personnel. Since Trump took office, nearly a quarter of the IRS's workforce of approximately 100,000 employees has departed. This outflow has raised concerns about the agency’s ability to perform its functions effectively.
The IRS's capacity to manage taxpayer services and maintain compliance is perceived to be at risk due to the reduction in workforce. These staff turnovers underscore the significant challenges facing the agency during the current administration.
Long's removal adds another twist in a series of high-profile changes within federal agencies under Trump's leadership. His pending nomination for an ambassadorship will mark the next phase of his career, albeit outside the realm of tax administration.
With Long's departure, the IRS looks toward its future leadership. While Bessent serves as the interim head, the search for a permanent replacement is underway. The identity and qualifications of the next commissioner remain a topic of significant interest and speculation.
The challenges awaiting the new commissioner include addressing the agency’s staffing issues and regaining confidence in the IRS's abilities amid significant public and political scrutiny. Balancing these demands will be crucial for establishing stability and continuity in IRS operations.
Though this leadership transition comes during a period of dynamic change, it reflects broader themes within the Trump administration's approach to governance. The selection of loyalists for prominent positions marks a consistent pattern in the president's strategy toward federal agency management.
