In a surprising move, President Donald Trump has removed Billy Long as Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) just two months after his confirmation in June 2025. Long, a former Republican congressman from Missouri, is now reportedly in line to become the U.S. ambassador to Iceland. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will step in as acting IRS commissioner, marking the seventh person to lead the agency this year. This rapid change comes at a critical time, as the Trump administration pushes forward with sweeping tax reforms and new tariffs, reshaping how the U.S. collects revenue.
A Brief Tenure and a Sudden Exit
Billy Long, who served as a congressman from 2011 to 2023 and was an auctioneer before that, was confirmed as IRS commissioner in June 2025. His tenure was meant to last until November 2027, but it ended abruptly on August 8, 2025. Long’s short time in office was marked by efforts to connect with the IRS workforce, including allowing early dismissals on Fridays and visiting IRS locations across the country. In an email to staff just a day before his removal, Long wrote, “With this being Thursday before another FriYay, please enjoy a 70-minute early exit tomorrow. That way you’ll be rested for my 70th birthday on Monday!”
Despite these efforts, Long faced challenges. He had little experience in tax policy and reportedly clashed with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who some sources say had to approve Long’s every move. Long also made a public misstep last month when he suggested the IRS filing season would start late in 2026, a claim the agency quickly corrected. These issues, combined with the Trump administration’s broader agenda, likely contributed to his removal.
Long confirmed his departure in a text to NBC News, expressing enthusiasm for his new role: “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 even made light of the situation on social media, joking that he had asked to join Immigration and Customs Enforcement but was offered Iceland instead.
A Turbulent Time for the IRS
The IRS has faced significant turmoil under the Trump administration. Since January 2025, the agency has seen a string of acting commissioners, with Long’s removal adding to the instability. More than 25,000 employees—roughly a quarter of the IRS workforce—have left the agency this year, according to the Treasury’s inspector general. These cuts are part of a broader effort led by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has pushed for significant reductions in federal staffing.
The agency is also grappling with major responsibilities following Trump’s recent tax legislation, signed into law last month. The bill extends tax cuts from Trump’s first term in 2017, slashes taxes on tips and overtime pay, and allows deductions for auto loan interest. However, it also includes controversial measures, such as cuts to Medicaid that could lead to 11 million people losing health insurance coverage and a projected $3.3 trillion increase in the national debt over the next decade. The IRS, alongside the Treasury Department, must now implement these complex changes, a daunting task with a reduced workforce and potential budget cuts looming.
Shifting Revenue Streams: Tariffs and Taxes
Trump’s administration is also transforming how the U.S. collects revenue. New tariffs, which took effect recently, have already generated over $100 billion in customs duties from importers this year. Trump has proposed creating an “external revenue service” to handle these funds, but for now, the Treasury Department and Customs and Border Protection manage them. This shift toward tariff-based revenue is a key part of Trump’s economic strategy, reducing reliance on traditional income taxes.
Meanwhile, Scott Bessent, who now temporarily leads the IRS, is juggling multiple roles. As Treasury Secretary, he is managing trade negotiations with countries like China, Canada, and Mexico, as well as searching for a new Federal Reserve chair. His temporary leadership of the IRS adds to his already heavy workload, raising questions about the agency’s ability to function effectively during this transition.
Criticism and Concerns
Critics, including Senator Ron Wyden, argue that the Trump administration’s actions are undermining the IRS. Wyden stated, “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.” Former IRS officials, like Terry Lemons, have expressed concerns about the agency’s capacity to handle its expanded responsibilities with fewer staff and ongoing budget threats.
Long’s brief tenure has also drawn scrutiny. John Koskinen, a former IRS commissioner, noted that Long’s two-month stint may be the shortest in the agency’s history, especially given his lack of tax or management experience. Koskinen remarked, “You give him a 75,000-person agency in charge of the tax code, and it is a bit of a challenge.”
Looking Ahead
As the Trump administration searches for a new IRS commissioner, the agency faces a critical period. Implementing the new tax laws, managing tariff revenues, and maintaining taxpayer services will require strong leadership and a stable workforce. For now, Scott Bessent’s temporary appointment provides continuity, but the rapid turnover at the IRS raises concerns about its long-term effectiveness.
Billy Long’s departure, while sudden, reflects the broader upheaval in Trump’s second term. His move to Iceland as an ambassador may mark a new chapter for him, but for the IRS, the path forward remains uncertain. As the nation navigates these changes, the agency’s ability to adapt will be crucial in maintaining the integrity of the U.S. tax system.