US President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday nominated former Missouri Republican congressman Billy Long as the head of the Internal Revenue Service, signalling the removal of the current Biden-appointed leader.
Trump made this announcement via his social media platform, proposing a change at the IRS during a crucial period when the Biden administration has invested heavily in modernising the agency and enhancing tax collection procedures.
“I am pleased to announce that former Congressman Billy Long, of the Great State of Missouri, will be appointed to serve as the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Billy brings 32 years of experience running his own businesses in Real Estate and, as one of the premier Auctioneers in the country. He then served 12 years in Congress, because he ‘felt it was important for his constituents to have a Representative who has signed the front of a check!'” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
Daniel Werfel, appointed by President Joe Biden in 2022, currently leads the IRS. Werfel, who brought experience from both Democratic and Republican administrations as a former management consultant and civil servant, was meant to serve until 2027.
The Republican party has consistently opposed the Biden administration’s IRS strategy, particularly the allocation of approximately $80 billion in additional funding over ten years. GOP representatives successfully reduced this amount by $20 billion and continue to seek further reductions. The IRS faces public unpopularity, with Republicans frequently criticising it as intrusive and inefficient, New York Times reported.
Budget specialists indicate that increased IRS funding helps generate government revenue through improved tax law enforcement and collection of owed taxes.
Long, who previously worked as an auctioneer, did not participate in the House tax-writing committee during his congressional tenure. However, he demonstrated his auctioneering abilities in Washington, notably when Trump invited him to conduct a lighthearted auction of the Stanley Cup during the St. Louis Blues’ White House visit.
Trump stated on social media: “I have known Billy since 2011 – He is an extremely hard worker, and respected by all, especially by those who know him in Congress. Taxpayers and the wonderful employees of the IRS will love having Billy at the helm.”
Traditionally, presidents do not appoint new IRS commissioners upon taking office, and Long’s appointment requires Senate confirmation. Biden waited for Charles P. Rettig’s term to conclude before appointing Werfel.
In a recent Tax Notes podcast, Werfel expressed: “I have a vision of my last day on the job being Nov. 12, 2027. My frame of mind on the IRS is that it’s nonpartisan, is that our priorities can and should shift with new Treasury leadership.”
