US President-elect Donald Trump nominates former Congressman Billy Long as IRS Commissioner

US President-elect Donald Trump nominated the former Republican congressman from Missouri on Wednesday Billy Long as head of the Internal Revenue Servicesignaling the removal of the current Biden-appointed leader.
Trump made this announcement via his social media platform and suggested a change IRS at a crucial time when the Biden administration has invested heavily in modernizing the agency and improving tax collection processes.
“I am pleased to announce that former Missouri Congressman Billy Long will be appointed Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Billy brings 32 years of experience running his own businesses in real estate and real estate, as one of the country’s leading auctioneers, he then served in Congress for twelve years because he “felt it was important for his constituents to have a representative , who signed the front of a check!” said Trump in a post Truth Social.

Daniel Werfel, appointed by President Joe Biden in 2022, currently leads the IRS. Werfel, who brought experience from Democratic and Republican administrations as a former management consultant and civil servant, was expected to serve until 2027.
The Republican Party has consistently opposed the Biden administration’s IRS strategy, particularly its provision of approximately $80 billion in additional funding over ten years. Republican Party officials have successfully reduced this amount by $20 billion and continue to seek further reductions. The IRS is unpopular with the public, often criticized by Republicans as intrusive and inefficient, The New York Times reported.
Budget experts point out that increased IRS funding helps generate government revenue through improved enforcement of tax laws and collection of taxes owed.
Long, who previously worked as an auctioneer, did not participate in the House Taxation Committee during his time in Congress. However, he demonstrated his skills as an auctioneer in Washington, particularly when Trump invited him to conduct a light-hearted Stanley Cup auction during the St. Louis Blues’ visit to the White House.
Trump said on social media: “I have known Billy since 2011 – he is an extremely hard worker and is respected by everyone, especially those who know him in Congress. Taxpayers and the wonderful IRS staff will love having Billy at the helm.”
Traditionally, presidents do not appoint new IRS commissioners when they take office, and Long’s appointment requires Senate confirmation. Biden waited for Charles P. Rettig’s term to end before appointing Werfel.
In a recent Tax Notes podcast, Werfel said: “I imagine my last day of work will be November 12, 2027. My stance on the IRS is that it is impartial and that our priorities can and should change with new leadership at the Treasury Department.