Trump Removes IRS Commissioner, Treasury Secretary Acts as Interim

President Donald Trump has removed Billy Long as Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service less than two months after his Senate confirmation, appointing Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent as the acting commissioner. Long, a former Missouri congressman with no significant tax policy experience and a history of opposing the IRS, is expected to be nominated for an ambassadorship following his ouster. Bessent will temporarily oversee the IRS while managing other high-profile responsibilities, including trade negotiations and the search for the next Federal Reserve chair. This marks the sixth leadership change at the IRS this year amid the Trump administration's efforts to reduce staffing and direct the agency to assist with deportations and scrutinize tax-exempt organizations. Long's brief tenure was marked by controversial actions such as granting early Friday departures to IRS employees and placing senior officials on administrative leave. Some observers suggest the personnel change may be an attempt to divert attention from other political issues facing the administration.