Iceland Gets IRS Chief After 'Trump' Clash
Official portrait of former IRS Commissioner Billy Long, 2025. Photo courtesy of the United States Internal Revenue Service. Public domain.
Billy Long's brief stint as IRS Commissioner has ended in a whirlwind of controversy and political drama, marking the sixth leadership change at the agency in just six months. The former Missouri congressman, auctioneer, and outspoken critic of the IRS was nominated to lead the very agency he once vowed to abolish. Now, after less than two months on the job and a public clash with the White House over taxpayer privacy, Long has been abruptly reassigned as U.S. ambassador to Iceland, leaving the IRS in yet another state of upheaval.
From IRS Critic to IRS Commissioner
Billy Long's appointment to the IRS Commissioner role was met with immediate skepticism and sharp criticism, especially from Democrats. According to the Associated Press, Long's history as a vocal opponent of the IRS, including sponsoring legislation to abolish the agency, raised eyebrows among lawmakers and tax experts alike. His confirmation hearing was contentious, with senators reportedly grilling him over his lack of experience in tax administration and his past promotion of questionable tax credits. Democrats pointed to his ties to firms accused of pushing fraudulent pandemic-era tax credits and questioned politically timed campaign donations made after his nomination was announced.
Republicans, however, defended Long, while Long himself framed his congressional experience as relevant, claiming familiarity with legislative intent would help him reform the agency
Despite the backlash, Long was confirmed on a party line vote and took the helm of an agency already roiled by mass layoffs and a revolving door of leadership. His tenure was apparently the shortest in the IRS's 163-year history, lasting less than two months before his sudden departure.
Clash Over Undocumented Immigrant Data
Long's dismissal reportedly stemmed from a standoff with the White House over the handling of sensitive taxpayer data related to undocumented immigrants. According to The Guardian, the Department of Homeland Security provided the IRS with a list of 40,000 names suspected of being in the country illegally and requested the agency crosscheck confidential tax records to verify addresses. The IRS responded that it could confirm fewer than 3% of the names, mostly those with individual taxpayer identification numbers provided by DHS. When the White House asked for information on the verified taxpayers, the IRS declined, citing taxpayer privacy protections.
This refusal reportedly angered administration officials who had identified the IRS as a key player in their crackdown on illegal immigration. The White House has been pushing for the agency to help locate millions of unauthorized immigrants, a move that has raised privacy and legal concerns. Long's resistance to sharing confidential taxpayer information outside statutory obligations was seen by some as a direct challenge to the administration's priorities.
However, according to The Guardian, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson argued that the IRS is united with the current administration's priorities, telling the Post, "Any absurd assertion other than everyone being aligned on the mission is simply false and totally fake news ... The Trump administration is working in lockstep to eliminate information silos and to prevent illegal aliens from taking advantage of benefits meant for hardworking American taxpayers."
A Revolving Door of IRS Leadership
Long's exit is just the latest in a series of rapid leadership changes at the IRS. Since the start of the year, the agency has reportedly seen six different leaders, including acting commissioners and confirmed heads. This turnover is unprecedented compared to previous administrations, where IRS Commissioners typically serve five-year terms and provide stability. President Joe Biden, for example, had only three IRS Commissioners over his four-year term, according to Business Insider.
The agency has also been hit hard by staff reductions, with more than 25,000 employees reportedly leaving since President Trump took office. This mass exodus, combined with the leadership chaos, has left the IRS struggling to enforce tax laws effectively while navigating political pressures.
The Ambassador to Iceland Exit
Following his dismissal, Long announced on social media that he would be taking on a new role as U.S. ambassador to Iceland. His announcement was a mix of excitement, seriousness, and humor.
In his post on X (formerly Twitter), Long said, "It is a honor to serve my friend President Trump and I am excited to take on my new role as the ambassador to Iceland ... I am thrilled to answer his call to service and deeply committed to advancing his bold agenda. Exciting times ahead," according to The Guardian.
He went on to reference a mix-up involving former TV Superman actor Dean Cain's decision to join Immigration and Customs Enforcement saying, "I saw where Former Superman actor Dean Cain says he's joining ICE so I got all fired up and thought I'd do the same. So I called @realDonaldTrump last night and told him I wanted to join ICE and I guess he thought I said Iceland? Oh well."
This reassignment has been viewed by some as a face-saving move by the administration, quietly removing Long from the IRS spotlight while keeping him within the government fold.
What This Means for the IRS
The rapid turnover at the IRS, highlighted by Long's brief and turbulent tenure, underscores the challenges facing the agency. Once a pillar of tax enforcement, the IRS now finds itself caught in political crossfires, with leadership changes and policy disputes threatening its stability and effectiveness.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who will serve as acting commissioner of the IRS following Long's departure, becomes the agency's seventh leader this year. The constant leadership changes raise questions about the IRS's ability to maintain consistent policy and protect taxpayer rights amid shifting political demands.
For taxpayers, the chaos at the IRS may translate into uncertainty and uneven enforcement. For the administration, the agency's role in immigration enforcement and tax collection remains a high-stakes political issue, with privacy concerns and legal boundaries continuing to spark debate.
The Bigger Picture
Billy Long's story is a striking example of the irony and turmoil engulfing the IRS. A man who once sought to dismantle the agency was placed in charge, only to be ousted amid clashes over data privacy and political priorities. His rapid rise and fall with the agency reflects broader tensions between enforcing tax laws and navigating the political landscape.
As the IRS continues to spin through leaders and wrestle with its mission, the question remains: can the agency regain stability and public trust, or will it continue to be a pawn in the ongoing political chess game?
For now, the revolving door at the IRS keeps spinning, and taxpayers are left watching closely, wondering who will be next to take the reins of the nation's tax collector.
References: IRS commissioner's removal reportedly over clash on undocumented immigrant data | Trump administration | Trump Is Burning Through IRS Heads: Who's Had the Job, Why They Left | IRS nominee who sponsored legislation to abolish it faces pointed questions
