President Donald Trump has removed Internal Revenue Service Commissioner Billy Long only two months after his Senate confirmation, a White House official confirmed. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will serve as interim commissioner while a replacement is sought. No reason for the abrupt dismissal was provided.
Long’s appointment drew attention for his lack of direct tax administration experience. Before serving as a Missouri congressman from 2011 to 2023, he spent decades as a real estate broker and auctioneer. His IRS biography noted a stint as a morning talk show host where tax issues were a frequent topic.
In Congress, Long supported abolishing the IRS entirely and later lobbied for the Employee Retention Credit program, which the IRS warned was vulnerable to fraud. Despite concerns, he was confirmed in a 53–44 Senate vote.
Trump has already selected Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to serve as the acting head of the IRS while the administration seeks a more permanent replacement, according to two White House officials.
According to The New York Times, Long appeared unaware of his impending firing, even emailing IRS staff Thursday to grant them a 70-minute early dismissal Friday to celebrate his upcoming 70th birthday.
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