Former Congressman Billy Long Named IRS Commissioner

The U.S. Senate has confirmed former Missouri Congressman Billy Long as the new Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service, marking a major victory for President Trump’s ongoing effort to reshape the federal government and clean up one of its most bloated and mistrusted agencies.

The Senate confirmed Long on Thursday in a 53-44 vote, largely along party lines. Long, who once cosponsored legislation to abolish the IRS entirely, now takes the helm of the very agency he previously sought to dismantle.

“I have the opportunity to make real, transformational change to an agency that needs it more than any other federal agency,” Long stated during his confirmation hearing in May.

• Long brings 32 years of private sector experience running real estate and auction businesses.

• Over 20,000 IRS employees resigned in April after accepting Trump’s second buyout offer.

• Long replaces Acting Commissioner Michael Faulkender after Biden’s appointee Danny Werfel resigned in January.

President Trump praised Long’s confirmation, calling him “an extremely hard worker” and “respected by all.” Trump nominated Long in December 2024, highlighting his extensive business background and work advising small businesses on navigating complex tax regulations.

“Taxpayers and the wonderful employees of the IRS will love having Billy at the helm,” Trump said, emphasizing Long’s reputation as a “people person” respected across party lines.

Long's confirmation comes as part of Trump’s broader initiative to reform the federal bureaucracy and reduce wasteful government spending. Earlier this year, Trump signed an executive order modernizing how the government handles finances, shifting from outdated paper-based systems to secure, rapid electronic payments. The goal is to bring greater transparency and accountability to how tax dollars are managed.

Long inherits an IRS that has faced years of controversy, politicization, and dysfunction, particularly during the Obama and Biden administrations. Under Democratic leadership, the agency was weaponized against conservative groups and used as a tool of harassment rather than public service.

Now, under Long’s leadership and Trump’s oversight, the IRS faces its best chance in decades for real, meaningful reform that serves taxpayers instead of persecuting them.

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