Former Congressman Billy Long Confirmed as New IRS Commissioner Amid Turmoil

Billy Long, a former Republican congressman from Missouri known for advocating the elimination of the IRS, has been confirmed as the agency’s new commissioner in a 53-44 Senate vote. His appointment comes at a time of major upheaval within the IRS, which faces staffing shortages, internal conflicts, and warnings of chaos ahead of the 2026 tax season. Democrats have voiced strong concerns about Long’s ties to a firm that promoted pandemic-era tax credits—some of which have been flagged as fraudulent—and campaign contributions he received following his nomination by President Trump. Despite the controversy, Long denied wrongdoing in a Senate Finance Committee hearing.

The IRS has seen rapid leadership turnover, with four acting commissioners in recent years. Recent scandals include unauthorized data sharing with immigration enforcement and internal disputes involving high-profile figures like Elon Musk and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The agency is also under legal pressure, with unions and advocacy groups suing to prevent Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing taxpayer data. Long’s predecessor, acting Commissioner Melanie Krause, resigned in April after objecting to a deal allowing IRS data to be shared with immigration authorities. Treasury officials reportedly sidelined her during negotiations, anticipating her resistance. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) criticized the FBI background check on Long, calling it superficial and politically influenced. Nonetheless, the confirmation signals a new and controversial chapter for the IRS as it faces both internal reform and public scrutiny.