Billy Long Removed As IRS Chief, Scott Bessent To Be Named Acting Commissioner

Last Updated:August 09, 2025, 05:41 IST

The exact reason behind Long’s sudden dismissal remains unclear.

Long served as a US Congressman from Missouri from 2011 to 2023 (Image: IRS website)

US Representative Billy Long has been removed from his position as IRS Commissioner, a White House official confirmed on Friday, according to an Associated Press report. Long will be replaced by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who is set to serve as the acting IRS commissioner until a permanent replacement is nominated and confirmed.

The Trump administration ended Long’s tenure less than two months after his Senate confirmation, making him the shortest-tenured IRS commissioner in the history of the position, which was established in 1862. Long was officially sworn in as commissioner in June 2025, after being confirmed by the Senate.

While the exact reason behind Long’s sudden dismissal remains unclear, sources have indicated that he is being reassigned to a diplomatic role. In a post shared on social media, Long confirmed his new appointment, “It is a honour 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!"

Prior to his brief tenure at the IRS, Long served as a US Congressman from Missouri from 2011 to 2023. He was a staunch Trump ally during his time in the House and was seen as a loyal political appointee.

According to a report by The New York Times, Long sent an internal email to IRS staff a day before his dismissal, writing, “Please enjoy a 70-minute early exit tomorrow. That way you’ll be rested for my 70th birthday on Monday."

A spokesperson thanked Long on behalf of the Treasury Department, stating, “His zeal and enthusiasm to bring a fresh perspective to the Federal Government was evident in both the House of Representatives and as part of the Trump Administration," as reported by NBC News.

If Bessent formally assumes the role, he will become the sixth person to lead the IRS under President Trump’s second term. The agency has faced considerable upheaval in recent months, with thousands of staffers laid off under the direction of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a body tasked with streamlining federal agencies.

Location :

Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published:

August 09, 2025, 05:41 IST

News world Billy Long Removed As IRS Chief, Scott Bessent To Be Named Acting Commissioner

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