Billy Long's 2-Month Tenure Marks Shortest in IRS History Amid High Leadership Turnover

President Donald Trump has removed Billy Long as Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) after less than two months in the role, marking the shortest tenure for a Senate-confirmed IRS chief since the agency's inception in 1862. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has been appointed as the acting commissioner, making him the seventh individual to lead the tax agency this year under the current administration. The swift dismissal has intensified concerns about leadership stability at the critical federal agency.

Long, a former Republican congressman from Missouri, was sworn in as the 51st commissioner in June, with his term originally slated to run through November 2027. His departure follows a period of significant upheaval within the IRS, characterized by a rapid succession of acting commissioners and substantial job cuts. The tweet by user BORED succinctly captured the situation, stating, "Remember the head of the IRS got fired after two months and they just never replaced him?"

Sources familiar with the situation indicate that Long's removal may stem from alleged clashes with Treasury Secretary Bessent, particularly concerning the sharing of taxpayer data with the Department of Homeland Security for immigration enforcement. Senator Ron Wyden, Democrat of Oregon, criticized the administration's actions, stating, "Trump and his crew have already gutted taxpayer service, weaponized IRS data against innocent taxpayers and set us up for disaster." Long had also previously supported legislation to abolish the IRS while in Congress.

Following his dismissal, Long announced on social media platform X that he would be nominated as the next U.S. Ambassador to Iceland. He expressed his excitement for the new role, stating, "It is an honor to serve my friend President Trump and I am excited to take on my new role as the ambassador to Iceland." This move shifts Long from a highly technical domestic agency leadership position to a diplomatic post.

The frequent changes in IRS leadership, with four acting commissioners preceding Long's confirmation, have raised questions about the agency's ability to effectively manage tax administration and implement new policies. The agency is central to the Trump administration's tax cut initiatives and faces ongoing challenges with taxpayer services and operational stability. A new permanent commissioner is expected to be announced at an appropriate time.