NEWS / US President Donald Trump axes IRS Commissioner Billy Long

United States President Donald Trump has removed newly-appointed IRS Commissioner Billy Long, less than 2 months after he had been sworn in. While it is not clear exactly why the commissioner had been dismissed, The New York Times cites individuals close to the decision as saying that Long, a Republican congressman who had little tax experience prior to his appointment, frequently clashed with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and made factually inaccurate statements, such as suggesting that tax filing season next year will start late. With Long dismissed, IRS will be temporarily headed by Bessent himself until Trump appoints a new IRS Commissioner.

A congressman from Missouri, Long had been inaugurated as the 51st Commissioner of Internal Revenue on June 16, after months of congressional deliberations over his candidacy. Long was criticized for not having any tax experience, as well as his previous desire to abolish the IRS to replace it with a flat tax.

Having been inaugurated, Long embarked on a tour of different IRS offices around the country in an effort to boost workforce morale. He also allowed employees to leave their office early on Friday afternoons.

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!" Long wrote, as quoted by The New York Times.

The now former IRS Commissioner has now been nominated by President Trump to serve as the US Ambassador to Iceland.

A native of Springfield, Missouri, Long worked as an auctioneer and realtor before being elected to the US House of Representatives in 2010 as a Republican, representing southwestern Missouri. Long ran for US Senate in 2022, but was defeated by Eric Schmitt in the Republican primary.

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