Billy Long removed as IRS commissioner, tapped for Iceland ambassadorship

President Trump on Aug. 8 dismissed IRS Commissioner Billy Long just weeks after his Senate confirmation, naming him ambassador to Iceland in the latest shake-up at the tax agency. “It is an honor to serve my friend President Trump and I am excited to take on my new role as the ambassador to Iceland,” Long posted on X. 

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will serve as acting commissioner until a permanent replacement is chosen. He becomes the seventh acting or confirmed IRS commissioner since just January 2025.  

A former Missouri congressman and auctioneer, Long entered the role with little tax experience, having once supported abolishing the IRS. His short tenure was marked by gaffes, including wrongly telling tax professionals that the 2026 filing season would start on President’s Day, a statement the agency later corrected. He also promoted controversial tax credit programs and placed two top IRS officials on leave. 

Democrats blasted the move, pointing to instability at the agency. “From the minute Trump announced Billy Long as his IRS pick it was obvious this would end badly,” said Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., noting Long was the sixth commissioner in 2025. Rep. Richard Neal, D-Mass., added, “The rampant instability comes at the expense of all who rely on it.” 

Long’s departure comes amid steep staff losses at the IRS – nearly half of its senior officials and a quarter of its workforce have left this year. For more information, please click here.