IRS Commissioner Billy Long Ousted, Appointed Ambassador to Iceland Amid Agency Turmoil

WASHINGTON – In a swift and unexpected move, President Donald Trump has removed Billy Long as IRS commissioner, less than two months after his confirmation. The abrupt dismissal marks the shortest tenure for an IRS commissioner since the position’s inception in 1862.

Long, a former U.S. Representative, confirmed his departure via social media, announcing he has been nominated by President Trump to serve as the U.S. ambassador to Iceland. His quick exit further exacerbates the ongoing leadership instability at the nation’s tax collection agency.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will assume the role of acting IRS commissioner. The agency has been plagued by significant turnover since the start of Trump’s second term, compounded by substantial workforce reductions, with staff numbers reportedly dropping from 103,000 in January to 77,000 by May 2025.

Long’s appointment in June was met with scrutiny due to his past legislative efforts to abolish the IRS and his lack of prior tax administration experience. Democrats had also raised concerns during his confirmation regarding his connections to a firm involved in a now-defunct, fraud-ridden coronavirus pandemic tax credit program. His removal follows a period of intense scrutiny and operational changes at the IRS.

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