Trump Fires IRS Commissioner Billy Long After Just Two Months, Taps Him for Iceland Ambassadorship

In a stunning shakeup at the helm of the Internal Revenue Service, President Donald Trump has removed IRS Commissioner Billy Long less than two months after his Senate confirmation, making Long the shortest-tenured commissioner in the agency's history. The move, announced August 8, 2025, comes amid mounting controversy over the IRS's role in immigration enforcement and broader efforts by the Trump administration to streamline the federal bureaucracy.

A Swift Exit and a New Role

Billy Long, a former Missouri congressman and longtime Trump ally, was confirmed by the Senate on June 12 in a 53–44 vote. His appointment raised eyebrows due to his lack of experience in tax administration and past involvement with firms accused of promoting fraudulent pandemic-era tax credits.

Despite the scrutiny, Long embraced the role with enthusiasm, pledging to overhaul the agency's culture and improve taxpayer services. But his tenure was abruptly cut short. On social media, Long announced he had been nominated to serve as the U.S. ambassador to Iceland:

"It is an honor to serve my friend President Trump and I am excited to take on my new role as the ambassador to Iceland," Long wrote. "I am thrilled to answer his call to service and deeply committed to advancing his bold agenda. Exciting times ahead!"

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will serve as acting IRS commissioner while the administration considers a permanent replacement.

Behind the Firing: Immigration Data Dispute

While the White House has not issued a detailed explanation for Long's removal, reporting from The Washington Post suggests that tensions over immigration enforcement played a key role. According to sources familiar with the matter, Long resisted a directive to share taxpayer data with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to help verify the addresses of undocumented migrants.

The Trump administration had brokered a deal in April for the IRS to provide data on roughly 40,000 individuals suspected of being in the U.S. illegally. DHS officials later indicated they would need information on up to 7 million people. IRS privacy lawyers objected, citing confidentiality laws, and Long reportedly sided with them, offering data on only a small fraction of the requested names.

White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson dismissed reports of internal discord, stating:

"Any absurd assertion other than everyone being aligned on the mission is simply false and totally fake news."

Fallout and Political Reactions

Long's ouster adds to the turbulence at the IRS, which has seen five commissioners-permanent and acting-since Trump returned to office in January. The agency has also lost over 11,000 employees, or roughly 11% of its workforce, due to mass firings and resignations under the Department of Government Efficiency's aggressive downsizing campaign.

Democrats were quick to criticize Long's appointment and removal. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, had opposed Long's confirmation, citing "one corruption bombshell after another" and calling the vote "an easy no" for Republicans.

Meanwhile, Senate Republicans defended Long's brief tenure. Finance Committee Chair Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) praised Long's commitment to "implement a top-down culture change at the agency," though that vision was never realized.

IRS in Flux: Operational Challenges Ahead

The IRS is now tasked with implementing sweeping changes to the tax code recently signed into law by Trump, including:

• Temporary relief for tipped and overtime workers

• Permanent revisions to the child tax credit

• Expanded clean energy tax incentives

With Bessent stepping in as interim commissioner, questions remain about the agency's capacity to execute these reforms amid staffing shortages and leadership instability.

🇮🇸 Long's Next Chapter: Diplomacy in Iceland

Though his time at the IRS was brief, Long's political career continues. As ambassador to Iceland, he will represent U.S. interests in a strategically important Arctic nation amid growing global competition in the region.

The appointment underscores Trump's tendency to reward loyalists with high-profile roles, even amid controversy. Long, who once sponsored legislation to abolish the IRS, now leaves the agency he briefly led for a diplomatic post that could shape Arctic policy and U.S.–Nordic relations.

Conclusion: A Turbulent Tenure, A Symbolic Shift

Billy Long's removal as IRS commissioner reflects deeper tensions within the Trump administration over governance, data privacy, and immigration enforcement. His rapid exit and reassignment to Iceland highlight the volatility of federal leadership under Trump's second term-and the challenges facing agencies tasked with executing complex policy in a politically charged environment.

As the IRS braces for another transition, the episode serves as a reminder of how swiftly political priorities can reshape the machinery of government.