Trump has fired IRS Commissioner Billy Long just two months after his confirmation, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stepping in as acting head. Long is expected to be nominated for an ambassador role.
Trump has fired IRS Commissioner Billy Long just two months after his confirmation.
(Reuters Photo)
India Today World Desk
UPDATED: Aug 9, 2025
In Short
India Today World Desk
UPDATED: Aug 9, 2025
In Short
Scott Bessent appointed acting IRS commissioner
Long confirmed less than two months ago
Long likely to be nominated as ambassador
US President Donald Trump has removed Billy Long from his role as commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service, less than two months after his confirmation, news agency Reuters reported, citing a White House official and a source familiar with the matter.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will serve as acting commissioner while the administration searches for a permanent replacement.
Long, a former Republican congressman from Missouri, is expected to be nominated for an ambassadorship, The New York Times reported.
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The change marks another leadership shake-up at the IRS, which has seen several commissioners during Trump’s second term. Long was sworn in as the 51st Commissioner of the IRS in June this year, with a term scheduled to last through November 2027.
- Ends
'The Clown Show Continues': Billy Long Out at IRS, But Probe to Persist
Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden said that "my investigators have obtained alarming information pertaining to Long's conduct at the IRS that we have begun to investigate."
Billy Long, then U.S. President Donald Trump's nominee to be Internal Revenue Service commissioner, spoke during a Senate Finance Committee nomination hearing on May 20, 2025 in Washington, D.C.
(Photo: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
He later added a joke about Immigration and Customs Enforcement: "I saw where former Superman actor Dean Cain says he's joining ICE so I got all fired up and thought I'd do the same. So I called Donald Trump last night and told him I wanted to join ICE and I guess he thought I said Iceland? Oh well."
A spokesperson for Bessent's department, which includes the IRS, said in a statement: "Treasury thanks Commissioner Long for his commitment to public service and the American people. His zeal and enthusiasm to bring a fresh perspective to the federal government was evident in both the House of Representatives and as part of the Trump administration. A new candidate for commissioner will be announced at the appropriate time."
Long previously represented Missouri in the U.S. House, where Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard Neal (D-Mass.) responded to the IRS commissioner's exit with a statement blasting Trump.
"We don't even need more details on Trump's latest scuttle to know how damaging his presidency has been for the IRS," Neal said. "With nearly a new commissioner each month and weakened customer service from his mass firings, the rampant instability comes at the expense of all who rely on it. One thing is for sure: Secretary Bessent should focus on his own job before collecting more responsibility."
Several critics, including Neal, highlighted that Long was preceded by several IRS leaders this year. As retired Adm. Mike Franken, a former Democratic U.S. Senate candidate from Iowa, put it on social media: "IRS Commissioner Billy Long is removed, the sixth change this year, by the guy who only hires 'the very best people.' The clown show continues."
Long's firing prompted widespread speculation that he was leaving the IRS because he refused to comply with an order from the president. Journalist Josh Marshall wondered, "How bad did the ask have to be for a Trumpy sleazebag like Billy Long to say no?"
Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden said that "my investigators have obtained alarming information pertaining to Long's conduct at the IRS that we have begun to investigate."
Billy Long, then U.S. President Donald Trump's nominee to be Internal Revenue Service commissioner, spoke during a Senate Finance Committee nomination hearing on May 20, 2025 in Washington, D.C.
(Photo: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Jessica Corbett
Aug 08, 2025
COMMON DREAMS
Less than two months after U.S. Senate Republicans confirmed Billy Long as head of the Internal Revenue Service, the scandal-plagued commissioner confirmed on Friday that he is leaving the IRS to serve as President Donald Trump's ambassador to Iceland.
U.S. Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.)—who opposed Long's IRS nomination with the rest of the chamber's Democrats—pledged in a Friday statement that a probe of the outgoing commissioner will continue.
"From the minute Trump announced Billy Long as his IRS pick it was obvious this would end badly, but every Senate Republican voted to confirm his nomination anyway," said Wyden. "He didn't even last two months on the job. Let's not forget that there wasn't a vacancy at the time Trump announced Long's nomination. Danny Werfel, a skilled leader with fans among Democrats and Republicans, had years left on his term."
The senator pointed out that "in just a handful of months, Trump and his crew have already gutted taxpayer service, weaponized IRS data against innocent taxpayers, and set us up for disaster when next year's filing season comes around. This is what Trump does—pick incompetent, unserious people for serious jobs, and sit back as the damage piles up."
"Billy Long left Congress a few years ago and went straight into the tax fraud industry, his only real experience in tax before his nomination," he added. "My investigators have obtained alarming information pertaining to Long's conduct at the IRS that we have begun to investigate, and that process will continue regardless of whether Trump stashes Long away in some foreign embassy."
The ouster was initially reported by The New York Times, which noted that "Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will serve as acting commissioner until a permanent replacement takes office," according to a senior Trump administration official.
Long then confirmed the development on his personal social media account, saying that "it is a honor to serve my friend President Trump and I am excited to take on my new role as the ambassador to Iceland. I am thrilled to answer his call to service and deeply committed to advancing his bold agenda. Exciting times ahead!"
Aug 08, 2025
COMMON DREAMS
Less than two months after U.S. Senate Republicans confirmed Billy Long as head of the Internal Revenue Service, the scandal-plagued commissioner confirmed on Friday that he is leaving the IRS to serve as President Donald Trump's ambassador to Iceland.
U.S. Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.)—who opposed Long's IRS nomination with the rest of the chamber's Democrats—pledged in a Friday statement that a probe of the outgoing commissioner will continue.
"From the minute Trump announced Billy Long as his IRS pick it was obvious this would end badly, but every Senate Republican voted to confirm his nomination anyway," said Wyden. "He didn't even last two months on the job. Let's not forget that there wasn't a vacancy at the time Trump announced Long's nomination. Danny Werfel, a skilled leader with fans among Democrats and Republicans, had years left on his term."
The senator pointed out that "in just a handful of months, Trump and his crew have already gutted taxpayer service, weaponized IRS data against innocent taxpayers, and set us up for disaster when next year's filing season comes around. This is what Trump does—pick incompetent, unserious people for serious jobs, and sit back as the damage piles up."
"Billy Long left Congress a few years ago and went straight into the tax fraud industry, his only real experience in tax before his nomination," he added. "My investigators have obtained alarming information pertaining to Long's conduct at the IRS that we have begun to investigate, and that process will continue regardless of whether Trump stashes Long away in some foreign embassy."
The ouster was initially reported by The New York Times, which noted that "Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will serve as acting commissioner until a permanent replacement takes office," according to a senior Trump administration official.
Long then confirmed the development on his personal social media account, saying that "it is a honor to serve my friend President Trump and I am excited to take on my new role as the ambassador to Iceland. I am thrilled to answer his call to service and deeply committed to advancing his bold agenda. Exciting times ahead!"
He later added a joke about Immigration and Customs Enforcement: "I saw where former Superman actor Dean Cain says he's joining ICE so I got all fired up and thought I'd do the same. So I called Donald Trump last night and told him I wanted to join ICE and I guess he thought I said Iceland? Oh well."
A spokesperson for Bessent's department, which includes the IRS, said in a statement: "Treasury thanks Commissioner Long for his commitment to public service and the American people. His zeal and enthusiasm to bring a fresh perspective to the federal government was evident in both the House of Representatives and as part of the Trump administration. A new candidate for commissioner will be announced at the appropriate time."
Long previously represented Missouri in the U.S. House, where Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard Neal (D-Mass.) responded to the IRS commissioner's exit with a statement blasting Trump.
"We don't even need more details on Trump's latest scuttle to know how damaging his presidency has been for the IRS," Neal said. "With nearly a new commissioner each month and weakened customer service from his mass firings, the rampant instability comes at the expense of all who rely on it. One thing is for sure: Secretary Bessent should focus on his own job before collecting more responsibility."
Several critics, including Neal, highlighted that Long was preceded by several IRS leaders this year. As retired Adm. Mike Franken, a former Democratic U.S. Senate candidate from Iowa, put it on social media: "IRS Commissioner Billy Long is removed, the sixth change this year, by the guy who only hires 'the very best people.' The clown show continues."
Long's firing prompted widespread speculation that he was leaving the IRS because he refused to comply with an order from the president. Journalist Josh Marshall wondered, "How bad did the ask have to be for a Trumpy sleazebag like Billy Long to say no?"
Trump is burning through IRS heads at a rate of almost 1 a month. Here's who's held the job, and why they left.
By Brent D. Griffiths and Kelsey Vlamis
The IRS is about to have its seventh leader this year.
IRS Commissioner Billy Long is leaving the agency less than two months after his confirmation.
It's a time of significant turnover at the IRS, from top to bottom.
President Donald Trump is over six and a half months into his second term. In that time, he's averaged a new IRS leader roughly every month.
There have been six acting or confirmed commissioners in 2025, counting former Commissioner Danny Werfel, who resigned just as Trump took office, even though his term lasted until 2027.
On Friday, IRS Commissioner Billy Long wrote on X that he was leaving his post less than two months after being confirmed to become the US Ambassador to Iceland. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will serve as acting commissioner.
The unprecedented turnover at the top — President Joe Biden had just three IRS commissioners over his four-year term — extends throughout the IRS workforce. More than 25,000 employees have left the agency since Trump took office.
Danny Werfel: Resigned before Trump took office
By Brent D. Griffiths and Kelsey Vlamis
BUSINESS INSIDER
Aug 8, 2025,
President Donald Trump has gone through six IRS leaders so far this year. Getty Images
The IRS is about to have its seventh leader this year.
IRS Commissioner Billy Long is leaving the agency less than two months after his confirmation.
It's a time of significant turnover at the IRS, from top to bottom.
President Donald Trump is over six and a half months into his second term. In that time, he's averaged a new IRS leader roughly every month.
There have been six acting or confirmed commissioners in 2025, counting former Commissioner Danny Werfel, who resigned just as Trump took office, even though his term lasted until 2027.
On Friday, IRS Commissioner Billy Long wrote on X that he was leaving his post less than two months after being confirmed to become the US Ambassador to Iceland. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will serve as acting commissioner.
The unprecedented turnover at the top — President Joe Biden had just three IRS commissioners over his four-year term — extends throughout the IRS workforce. More than 25,000 employees have left the agency since Trump took office.
Danny Werfel: Resigned before Trump took office
IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
Danny Werfel was chosen by Biden to serve as IRS commissioner and took on the role in March 2023. Though his term was set to last until 2027, Werfel announced on January 17, days before Trump's inauguration, that he was resigning.
"While I had always intended to complete my full term as Commissioner, the President-elect has announced his plan to nominate a new IRS Commissioner," Werfel wrote in a letter at the time, adding, "After significant introspection and consultation with others, I've determined the best way to support a successful transition is to depart the IRS on January 20, 2025."
Prior to Werfel's resignation, Trump had said he planned to nominate Long to replace him. Typically, IRS commissioners serve five-year terms and remain in their roles even when the president changes.
Douglas O'Donnell: January 20 to February 28
Danny Werfel was chosen by Biden to serve as IRS commissioner and took on the role in March 2023. Though his term was set to last until 2027, Werfel announced on January 17, days before Trump's inauguration, that he was resigning.
"While I had always intended to complete my full term as Commissioner, the President-elect has announced his plan to nominate a new IRS Commissioner," Werfel wrote in a letter at the time, adding, "After significant introspection and consultation with others, I've determined the best way to support a successful transition is to depart the IRS on January 20, 2025."
Prior to Werfel's resignation, Trump had said he planned to nominate Long to replace him. Typically, IRS commissioners serve five-year terms and remain in their roles even when the president changes.
Douglas O'Donnell: January 20 to February 28
Douglas O'Donnell (far right), seen here with then-Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, served as acting IRS commissioner for a little over a month. AP
Douglas O'Donnell, the IRS deputy commissioner, took over as acting IRS commissioner at the start of Trump's term, after Werfel resigned.
A little over a month later, the IRS announced O'Donnell planned to retire after decades with the agency.
Melanie Krause: February 28 to April 16
Douglas O'Donnell, the IRS deputy commissioner, took over as acting IRS commissioner at the start of Trump's term, after Werfel resigned.
A little over a month later, the IRS announced O'Donnell planned to retire after decades with the agency.
Melanie Krause: February 28 to April 16
IRS building Associated Press
Melanie Krause was the IRS's acting commissioner for less than two months. Previously the agency's chief operating officer, she became the deputy commissioner and acting head of the agency in February.
She resigned in April under the administration's deferred resignation program.
Gary Shapley: April 16 to April 18
Melanie Krause was the IRS's acting commissioner for less than two months. Previously the agency's chief operating officer, she became the deputy commissioner and acting head of the agency in February.
She resigned in April under the administration's deferred resignation program.
Gary Shapley: April 16 to April 18
Gary Shapley (second from right) briefly led the IRS in an acting capacity after rising to fame due to his work on the agency's investigation of Hunter Biden. Getty Images
A longtime IRS investigator, Gary Shapley, became a whistleblower and testified to Congress about what he saw as the agency's mishandling of its investigation into Hunter Biden, then the sitting president's son.
Shapley's testimony was frequently discussed on conservative media, and Republicans celebrated his return to the IRS. Trump took it a step further when he named Shapley acting commissioner on tax day.
The New York Times reported that Elon Musk, then the de facto leader of the White House DOGE office, supported the move, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent did not. Still, in a post on X after Shapley stepped down, Bessent said Shapley "remains among my most important senior advisors at the @USTreasury as we work together to rethink and reform the IRS."
Michael Faulkender: April 18 to June 16
A longtime IRS investigator, Gary Shapley, became a whistleblower and testified to Congress about what he saw as the agency's mishandling of its investigation into Hunter Biden, then the sitting president's son.
Shapley's testimony was frequently discussed on conservative media, and Republicans celebrated his return to the IRS. Trump took it a step further when he named Shapley acting commissioner on tax day.
The New York Times reported that Elon Musk, then the de facto leader of the White House DOGE office, supported the move, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent did not. Still, in a post on X after Shapley stepped down, Bessent said Shapley "remains among my most important senior advisors at the @USTreasury as we work together to rethink and reform the IRS."
Michael Faulkender: April 18 to June 16
Deputy Treasury Secretary Michael Faulkender led the IRS on an acting basis before Long's confirmation. Getty Images
Deputy Treasury Secretary Michael Faulkender stepped in to lead the IRS on an acting basis for just under two months.
Faulkender stepped aside once Long was confirmed. His tenure was most notable for bringing the IRS closer to Bessent, who reportedly did not approve of the Musk-backed Shapley.
Billy Long: June 16 to August 8
Deputy Treasury Secretary Michael Faulkender stepped in to lead the IRS on an acting basis for just under two months.
Faulkender stepped aside once Long was confirmed. His tenure was most notable for bringing the IRS closer to Bessent, who reportedly did not approve of the Musk-backed Shapley.
Billy Long: June 16 to August 8
Former Congressman Billy Long looks on during his confirmation hearing to become IRS commissioner. Getty Images
Former Congressman Billy Long lasted less than two months atop the IRS.
Long, a Republican who represented Missouri for six terms, was confirmed in June on a party-line 53 to 44 vote. Senate Democrats opposed him due to his lack of tax-related experience. Long previously supported legislation to abolish the IRS.
As commissioner, Long became known for cheerfully emailing IRS employees to tell them to take off work early on Fridays. "With this being Thursday before another FriYay, please enjoy a 70-minute early exit tomorrow," Long wrote Thursday in an email to his staff, per CNN. "That way you'll be well rested for my 70th birthday on Monday."
The New York Times reported that he clashed with the Treasury Secretary, who will now lead the tax agency as Long's acting replacement.
"It is a honor to serve my friend President Trump and I am excited to take on my new role as the ambassador to Iceland. I am thrilled to answer his call to service and deeply committed to advancing his bold agenda," Long wrote Friday on X. "Exciting times ahead!"
Trump announced his intent to nominate Long after the 2024 election, even though there was already a commissioner at the time.
Former Congressman Billy Long lasted less than two months atop the IRS.
Long, a Republican who represented Missouri for six terms, was confirmed in June on a party-line 53 to 44 vote. Senate Democrats opposed him due to his lack of tax-related experience. Long previously supported legislation to abolish the IRS.
As commissioner, Long became known for cheerfully emailing IRS employees to tell them to take off work early on Fridays. "With this being Thursday before another FriYay, please enjoy a 70-minute early exit tomorrow," Long wrote Thursday in an email to his staff, per CNN. "That way you'll be well rested for my 70th birthday on Monday."
The New York Times reported that he clashed with the Treasury Secretary, who will now lead the tax agency as Long's acting replacement.
"It is a honor to serve my friend President Trump and I am excited to take on my new role as the ambassador to Iceland. I am thrilled to answer his call to service and deeply committed to advancing his bold agenda," Long wrote Friday on X. "Exciting times ahead!"
Trump announced his intent to nominate Long after the 2024 election, even though there was already a commissioner at the time.
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