U.S. President Donald Trump has removed Billy Long from his position as the 51st Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). A White House spokesperson reinterpreted the decision to fire Long on Friday. Long had only been on the job four months when this decision was made.
Former Missouri Representative Billy Long (R-Mo.) named to head the IRS Leading critics of these corrupt bargain projects, his term should now fully extend through November 2027. Long’s nomination was a result of his outspoken testimony before the Senate Finance Committee during his confirmation hearing on May 20, 2025. The hearing was held in the Dirksen building, but his testimony went well beyond the specific issue of paying for IRS operations and reform.
His prior announcement of his removal left many wondering what direction the administration was taking when it came to tax policy and IRS governance. In the wake of Long’s dismissal, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will be the new acting commissioner of the IRS.
“Secretary Bessent will now serve as acting commissioner of the IRS,” – White House official
Now, a rapid turnover in leadership at the IRS may help usher in new agency priorities. This move is especially welcome as it addresses long-standing issues of the IRS in tax administration and compliance. The IRS has been the target of conservative criticism in recent years, especially when it comes to its ability to enforce tax laws and provide quality services to taxpayers.
Long’s brief tenure as commissioner was marked by efforts to enhance the agency’s efficiency and responsiveness to taxpayers. Yet, if nothing else, his removal makes clear that the Trump administration wants to pursue another kind of strategy going forward.