President-elect Donald Trump has announced plans to nominate former Missouri Congressman Billy Long as the next commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The decision, revealed in a December 4 press release, indicates that Trump intends to remove current IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel from the role, even though Werfel’s term is set to run through November 2027 under the IRS Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998.
IRS commissioners, while appointed for a five-year term, can be removed at the discretion of the president under section 7803(d) of the tax code. The IRS has yet to respond to the announcement.
Background on Billy Long
Billy Long, who represented Missouri in the House of Representatives from 2011 to 2023, previously pursued an unsuccessful Senate bid in 2022. Before his political career, Long worked in real estate and as an auctioneer. Trump highlighted Long’s more recent experience in tax advising as a key qualification.
“Since leaving Congress, Billy has worked as a Business and Tax Advisor, helping Small Businesses navigate the complexities of complying with IRS rules and regulations,” Trump said in the statement. “Taxpayers and the wonderful employees of the IRS will love having Billy at the helm.”
On social media, Long describes himself as a “Certified Tax & Business Advisor” and promotes services to help clients save on taxes, including claiming new tax credits.
Reactions to the Appointment
Senate Republicans expressed support for the choice. Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma noted that Long’s nomination reflects a shift in Trump’s approach compared to 2017, when Trump retained some appointees from the previous administration. “This time, he’s ensuring his picks will actively implement his policies,” Lankford said.
Senator Todd Young of Indiana shared similar enthusiasm, saying Long’s thoughtfulness and concern for people during his time in Congress would serve him well at the IRS. Young specifically cited Long’s potential focus on customer service and employee morale at the agency.
However, the nomination has also drawn skepticism. Critics, including Democratic lawmakers and tax professionals, raised concerns about Long’s lack of managerial experience and expertise in running a large organization like the IRS.
Concerns from Opponents
Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts criticized the decision, suggesting it signals a partisan move to weaken the agency. She argued that Long’s limited experience could lead to longer wait times, a more challenging tax filing process, and greater leniency for wealthy individuals exploiting the system.
Progressive policy group Groundwork Action echoed these concerns, saying the choice reflects a lack of seriousness about the IRS’s mission. “Billy Long doesn’t have any experience relevant to running the IRS, but that is exactly what Trump was looking for,” said Lindsay Owens of the organization.
Joe B. Kristan of Eide Bailly LLP also questioned the nomination, noting it was surprising Trump didn’t select a business leader with experience managing large enterprises.
Werfel’s Future
Current IRS Commissioner Werfel has expressed his commitment to fulfilling his five-year term. In a recent interview, he emphasized the importance of nonpartisanship in his role. “The IRS will work as tirelessly on a new administration’s priorities as it has on the outgoing administration’s,” Werfel said.
Former IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig, who served under Trump, said he doesn’t know Long personally but hopes that any new appointee will succeed in leading the agency. “If Billy Long is confirmed, I hope he quickly grasps the importance of the IRS and its employees to the country’s success,” Rettig said.
Next Steps
The Senate Finance Committee will review Long’s nomination, where lawmakers are expected to weigh his qualifications and experience. While some senators, like Thom Tillis of North Carolina, reserved judgment, others expressed confidence in Werfel’s nonpartisan dedication and expertise.
The debate over Long’s nomination underscores the challenges of leading the IRS, especially amid heightened political scrutiny and the agency’s expanded enforcement responsibilities.