In a significant political move, President-elect Donald Trump announced the appointment of former Congressman Billy Long as the new Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), despite the fact that the current Commissioner, Danny Werfel, has a term that typically lasts until late 2027. Trump’s selection of Long comes as a surprise given Long’s lack of formal qualifications in tax law or accounting. He does not hold a college degree, nor did he serve on any tax-writing committees during his time in Congress. His background is unique: he dropped out of the University of Missouri but later entered a specialized auction training program. Long earned his Certified Auctioneer designation and became a prominent figure in the auctioning community, averaging around 200 auctions per year for two decades and earning a place in the National Auction Association Hall of Fame.
Billy Long’s political career began in 2010 when he was elected to represent Missouri’s 7th Congressional District, serving until 2023. Although he lost a bid for the U.S. Senate in 2022, his election to Congress marked a transition from his previous career in auctioneering to public service. Trump promoted Long’s business experience, citing his 32 years in real estate and auctioning as valuable skills for the position. The former President lauded Long’s dedication to his constituents, emphasizing his background as a business and tax advisor since leaving Congress, where he assisted small businesses with IRS regulations. Trump’s announcement on Truth Social highlighted Long’s personable character and bipartisan respect, suggesting that he would be a fitting leader for the IRS.
During his 12 years in Congress, Long sat on various committees such as Energy and Commerce, Transportation and Infrastructure, and Homeland Security, but he notably did not participate in any finance or tax-specific committees. His primary claim to fame during this period was receiving the “Tax Fighter Award” from the National Tax Limitation Committee, an organization that seems to have since vanished from the political scene. His lack of direct experience in tax legislation raises questions about his capacity to lead the IRS effectively, especially given the agency’s critical role in managing the nation’s tax laws.
Meanwhile, current IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel, who took office in March 2023, had a distinguished background in both public service and private sector consulting. Before his appointment, he held several significant roles within the government, including a stint as interim IRS commissioner in 2013 amidst the Lois Lerner scandal. Werfel’s education and experience in law and public policy were seen as instrumental in directing the agency’s operations, particularly as he sought to address the IRS’s challenges in customer service and tax compliance. He believed that the augmentations to the IRS’s budget under the Inflation Reduction Act would enhance taxpayer experience and result in increased revenue collection for the federal government.
The IRS operates under a five-year commissioner term, and Werfel’s would have concluded in November 2027 if he remained in the position. However, Trump’s announcement indicates that he intends to remove Werfel from his role before the official expiration of his term. This decision adds to a pattern of leadership changes within the IRS through political appointments, reflecting the agency’s evolving priorities amid differing presidential administrations. Previously, Charles Rettig, another Trump appointee with a legal background in tax law, served as Commissioner from October 2018 until November 2022, illustrating the potential for significant shifts in IRS management and operation philosophies based on the political landscape.
Following his appointment announcement, Long expressed gratitude through social media, focusing on the importance of working collaboratively while also playfully acknowledging the overwhelming support he received from constituents and followers. Despite the challenges ahead—including the need for Senate confirmation—Long appears eager to embrace the responsibilities inherent to overseeing the IRS. His appointment could lead to profound changes at the agency, reshaping how it interacts with individuals and businesses across the nation, reaffirming Trump’s commitment to a distinct approach in government leadership that prioritizes business experience and populism within government function.
Overall, the appointment of Billy Long as IRS commissioner marks a notable transition in leadership that could impact tax policy and enforcement strategies, given both his unconventional background and Trump’s rationale for selecting him. This development adds to the complex narrative surrounding the IRS and its leadership as it continues to manage vital elements of the U.S. tax system amid public scrutiny and political pressures. As Long steps into this role, the interactions between his priorities and those shaped by political imperatives remain to be seen.
