President Trump has announced that Billy Long will be replaced as commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), with Long now appointed as 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,” Long posted Friday on X. He also vowed to help advance Trump’s “bold agenda” in his new diplomatic position.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will serve as acting IRS commissioner until a permanent replacement is named. In a statement to FOX Business, a Treasury spokesperson praised Long’s energy and commitment, saying his “zeal and enthusiasm to bring a fresh perspective” had been evident throughout his time in both Congress and the Trump administration.

Long, a former congressman from Missouri, had been sworn in as the 51st IRS commissioner on June 16 after a party-line 53–44 Senate vote. His term was set to run through November 2027. Ironically, Long had previously supported eliminating the IRS altogether, favoring a national sales tax system instead of income taxes.

Despite his short tenure, Long attempted to reshape the agency’s culture, regularly sending cheerful messages to staff, including emails that encouraged early departures on Fridays with subject lines like “It’s Almost FriYay.” While some employees appreciated his relaxed leadership style, critics—most notably Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR)—accused Trump of installing “incompetent” officials and undermining the agency’s effectiveness.

Long’s departure marks the fifth leadership change at the IRS in 2025. The agency has also faced significant internal upheaval, losing 25% of its workforce amid Trump-era budget cuts and buyouts, further straining one of the federal government’s most vital institutions.