IRS Nominee Billy Long Dodges Questions on Trump Political Targeting

Billy Long, President Trump's nominee to lead the Internal Revenue Service, faced intense scrutiny during his Senate confirmation hearing for refusing to clearly state whether it is illegal for the President to direct the IRS to revoke a taxpayer's nonprofit status. Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren repeatedly pressed Long on the legality of Trump's threats to strip Harvard University and other organizations of their tax-exempt status for political reasons, citing federal law that forbids the President from instructing the IRS to target specific taxpayers. Despite being provided the relevant statute and opportunities to consult legal counsel, Long was unable to give a definitive answer, raising concerns about his suitability to prevent the politicization of the IRS. Republicans on the Senate Finance Committee largely focused on technical and administrative questions, while Democrats expressed doubt about Long's ability to resist political pressure given his close ties to Trump. The controversy highlights broader fears that the IRS could be weaponized against political opponents, a tactic that critics compare to authoritarian practices seen in other countries. This situation underscores the tension between efforts to modernize the IRS and the potential for its use as a tool of political retribution under Long's prospective leadership.