Trump Fires IRS Chief Billy Long After Less Than Two Months

President Donald Trump has removed Billy Long from his position as Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service after less than two months in office. Long’s time as commissioner lasted just 53 days, making it the shortest tenure in the history of the IRS since the agency was established in 1862. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will step in as the acting commissioner while the administration decides on a permanent replacement.

Why Was Billy Long Removed So Quickly?

Billy Long’s removal has left many in Washington and beyond stunned. He was confirmed by the Senate in mid-June and officially sworn in on June 16, only to be dismissed by August 8. While the White House has not given a detailed public explanation, reports suggest that Long clashed with Treasury officials early on.

Insiders say the breaking point came when Long made several major announcements such as delaying the start of the tax-filing season to February and shutting down the IRS’s Direct File tool without consulting Treasury leadership. These moves reportedly caused frustration at a time when the agency was already dealing with significant staffing changes and policy challenges.

Leadership Instability at the IRS in 2025

Long’s firing is only the latest in a series of rapid leadership changes at the IRS this year. In just over six months, the agency has gone through five different leaders. Earlier in 2025, long-time commissioner Danny Werfel resigned, even though his term still had years remaining. Several acting commissioners succeeded him, but each served only briefly some for just days before they stepped down

The constant turnover has fueled uncertainty during a period of tremendous pressure on the IRS. A large downsizing effort has also struck the agency, eliminating about 25,000 employees more than a quarter of its workforce. Many left through early retirements or voluntary resignations.

Scott Bessent Steps In as Acting Commissioner

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will now oversee the IRS until a new commissioner is appointed. Known for his background in finance as a former hedge fund manager, Bessent is expected to bring a data-driven and highly organized approach to the role.

Officials close to Bessent say his main priorities will be restoring stability inside the agency and preparing for the next tax season. The IRS will need to keep operations running smoothly despite having fewer staff and ongoing leadership changes. Remarkably, even with its challenges, the IRS reported collecting more tax revenue last year compared to the previous year.

Criticism Over Long’s Appointment and Performance

From the start, Billy Long’s appointment faced criticism, particularly from Democratic lawmakers. Many questioned his qualifications since he had no experience in tax law or running a large government agency. Long had served several terms in Congress and previously ran an auctioneering business. He also faced scrutiny for promoting a pandemic-era tax credit later deemed fraudulent.

During the confirmation process, concerns were raised about his lack of expertise, the controversial tax credit issue, and delays in providing documents to the Senate. Supporters argued he would bring a “fresh outsider’s perspective,” but critics viewed his appointment as a politically motivated decision.

Influence in IRS and Taxpayers

The sudden firing of Billy Long adds to the uncertainty surrounding the IRS at a critical time. The agency is dealing with reduced staff, shifting policies, and the looming deadline to prepare for tax-filing season. Tax experts worry that delays in processing returns, weakened customer service, and gaps in oversight could follow.

Still, some industry professionals remain cautiously optimistic. They note that experienced career staff continue to manage core operations, and Bessent’s steady leadership could help restore order. The coming months will reveal whether the IRS can maintain public trust and meet its responsibilities despite the turbulence.

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