Trump Removes IRS Chief Billy Long After Two Months Amid Treasury Clashes

President Donald Trump has removed Billy Long as head of the Internal Revenue Service after only two months, marking the seventh leadership change at the agency within a year and highlighting ongoing instability. Long, a former Republican congressman with no tax experience, faced growing frustrations from Treasury officials over off-script remarks and clashes regarding IRS policy, including a controversial suggestion to delay the tax filing season. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will serve as interim commissioner during the search for a permanent replacement, who will be the eighth leader this year. Critics, including Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden, condemned Long's appointment and tenure, pointing to a broader pattern of Trump placing unqualified individuals in serious roles, which they say has harmed IRS operations and taxpayer services. Long has since been appointed as U.S. Ambassador to Iceland amid ongoing investigations into his conduct at the IRS. Trump's next choice for IRS leadership may come from a pool of experienced tax officials, including veterans from his previous administration or long-serving IRS legal experts.