Former Rep. Billy Long of Missouri has stepped down as IRS commissioner just under two months after Senate confirmation, raising eyebrows over the rapid turnover at the agency.
According to The Hill, Long is set to be nominated as ambassador to Iceland, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stepping in to lead the IRS on an acting basis. This abrupt shift comes amid ongoing upheaval at the agency under President Trump's second term.
Long, a staunch Trump ally, expressed enthusiasm for his upcoming role, stating, “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.” While his loyalty is commendable, one has to wonder if his brief stint at the IRS was ever meant to be more than a stepping stone to another post.
Confirmed in June by a tight 53-44 party-line vote, Long faced immediate opposition from Democrats who questioned his qualifications for overseeing tax policy. His background as an auctioneer and real estate broker hardly screamed expertise in federal revenue systems.
Critics pointed to his past sponsorship of legislation to abolish the IRS altogether, a position that seems at odds with leading the very agency he once targeted. Such contradictions likely fueled doubts about his commitment to the role from the start.
Now, with Long’s exit, the IRS finds itself under its fifth leader since Trump’s return to office in January, with four of those serving only temporarily. This revolving door hardly inspires confidence in an agency already grappling with public scrutiny.
Trump has spearheaded a significant purge of IRS staff, aligning with Republican criticism of Biden-era legislation that boosted funding to hire thousands of new workers. The goal of those hires was to crack down on tax evasion, but many see it as government overreach, bloating an already unwieldy bureaucracy.
The National Taxpayer Advocate’s midyear report highlighted the fallout, projecting a 22 percent workforce reduction in the IRS’s taxpayer services division. Such cuts could mean longer wait times and less support for honest filers, a frustrating prospect for law-abiding citizens.
Long’s departure adds another layer of uncertainty to an agency already in flux, as taxpayers are left wondering who will steer the ship next. Bessent’s interim leadership may provide some continuity, but temporary fixes rarely solve systemic challenges.
Even before his confirmation, Long faced heat from Senate Democrats who launched an inquiry into his promotion of a pandemic-era tax credit plagued by fraudulent claims. This raised valid concerns about whether his judgment aligned with the IRS’s mission to ensure fair compliance.
His tenure in Congress from 2011 to 2023 showed a consistent allegiance to Trump’s priorities, but loyalty alone doesn’t equate to competence in managing a complex federal entity. Skeptics might argue his appointment was more about political favor than practical governance.
With Long now poised for an ambassadorship, the focus shifts to whether his successor will bring the expertise needed to stabilize the IRS. Taxpayers deserve leadership that prioritizes efficiency over partisan posturing.
As Long prepares for his diplomatic role, his statement reflects optimism: “I am thrilled to answer his call to service and deeply committed to advancing his bold agenda.” Yet, one can’t help but question if that boldness translates to meaningful progress for the average American navigating tax season.
The Treasury Department has yet to comment on the transition, leaving gaps in understanding the long-term plan for the IRS under Bessent’s acting leadership. Silence from officials only fuels speculation about the agency’s direction in these turbulent times.
Ultimately, the IRS needs a steady hand to balance enforcement with fairness, especially after years of political tug-of-war over its purpose. Long’s brief chapter may be closing, but the larger story of reforming this critical institution remains wide open.
