Former Congressman Billy Long has garnered significant attention on social media following President-Elect Donald Trump’s announcement that he would be appointed as the head of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The official declaration was made by Trump on his platform, Truth Social, where he praised Long for his extensive background in business and his skills as a prominent auctioneer. At 69 years old, Long has an impressive 32 years of experience managing his own real estate businesses and is recognized as one of the leading auctioneers in the country. His tenure as the representative for Missouri’s 7th congressional district lasted from 2011 until 2023, and although he ran for a Senate seat in 2022, he did not advance past the Republican primary. Long is also notable for being inducted into the National Auction Association Hall of Fame.
The announcement was met with widespread interest online, spurred by clips from Long’s congressional career that highlighted his unique auctioneering style. Clips posted on various platforms, notably X (formerly known as Twitter), included memorable moments where Long utilized his auctioneer voice to deliver humorous takes on serious political topics. One such clip featured him joking about the United States national debt through an auction chant, showcasing his ability to inject humor into discussions about fiscal issues. This particular video quickly gained traction, amassing over 850,000 views soon after it was shared by a user on the platform, underlining his remarkable way of connecting with audiences through humor and entertainment.
Another video that circulated online depicted Long as he cleverly countered heckling from political activist Laura Loomer during a House hearing. In this instance, he overwhelmed her protest with his auctioneer voice, effectively maintaining focus on the proceedings despite the disruptive interjection. This moment, shared by NBC News reporter Sahil Kapur, has also resonated with viewers, with more than 30,000 views following its re-posting. These instances not only exemplify Long’s unique talents but also painted him as a charismatic figure during his time in Congress, able to engage the public while navigating through contentious environments.
As Trump made his endorsement, he characterized Long as a tireless and hard-working individual, who enjoys respect across political lines in Congress. The President-Elect expressed confidence that Long’s leadership at the IRS would be well-received by taxpayers and its employees alike. Trump’s characterization highlighted Long not only as a competent leader but also as a “people person,” indicating that his interpersonal skills would serve him well in such a challenging role. The endorsement further sets the stage for Long to take on a pivotal position within the federal government, one that is often met with scrutiny and challenges, particularly in the current climate of increasing tax audits and IRS reforms.
Billy Long’s background adds an additional layer to his candidacy, as he comes from Springfield, Missouri, and attended the University of Missouri for a short period. Despite not completing a formal degree, he successfully built a career in auctions and talk radio before venturing into a political career. Notably, during his campaign trail for the Senate in 2022, he faced setbacks when a major social media platform, YouTube, removed one of his campaign advertisements for promoting unfounded claims regarding electoral fraud in the 2020 presidential election. This incident reflects the contentious political climate surrounding his attempts to climb the political ladder and highlights the challenges that candidates face regarding digital discourse and misinformation.
If confirmed by Congress, Long will succeed current IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel, who was appointed by President Joe Biden in 2022 for a five-year term. Long’s appointment is anticipated by his supporters and represents a significant shift in leadership at the IRS, an agency often caught in the crosshairs of political debates surrounding taxation, enforcement, and fiscal policy. The decision is crucial not just for Long’s career but also for the direction the IRS may take under his leadership. As this announcement continues to gain attention, it symbolizes not only a change in administration but also a new approach toward managing the complexities of U.S. fiscal policy during a time of economic uncertainty.
