Billy Long out as IRS commissioner after just 2 months on the job
The departure of Billy Long, the commissioner of the IRS, after just two months on the job has raised eyebrows in Washington. A White House official confirmed that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will temporarily lead the IRS, with President Trump expected to nominate Long for an ambassadorship. The news was first reported by The New York Times.
Long’s tenure at the IRS has been marked by turmoil, with the agency experiencing a high turnover in leadership. The Trump administration’s efforts to streamline the agency’s workforce have led to several interim commissioners, including one who lasted for only 48 hours. Long, a former auctioneer and Missouri Republican congressman, was appointed to lead the IRS late last year. Despite not being an accountant, Long’s background as a tax adviser was highlighted by Mr. Trump.
During his time in Congress, Long advocated for the repeal of significant portions of the tax code. After retiring from politics, he advised businesses on the Employee Retention Tax Credit, which drew criticism from Democrats due to concerns about fraud. The abrupt departure of Long from the IRS has left many wondering about the future direction of the agency.
This is a developing story that will be closely monitored for updates.
Author: Joe Walsh
Joe Walsh is a senior editor for digital politics at CBS News. With a background in covering breaking news for Forbes and local news in Boston, Walsh brings a wealth of experience to his reporting.
