President-elect Trump Nominates Former Congressman Billy Long as IRS Commissioner

WASHINGTON, D.C., December 4, 2024 – President -elect Donald Trump announced his intention to appoint former ​Member of Parliament for ​Missouri ​Billy Long as the ​next Commissioner of the Internal Tax Service (IRS), indicating a possible change in the strategic direction of the agency.

Long, ​69, represented the 7th district of the Missouri Congress from 2011 to 2023 and is also known ​for his career as a professional auction commissioner. Since leaving Congress, he has ​been a business and tax advisor, helping small ​businesses ​navigate IRS regulations. According to ​Trump, Long’s extensive real estate ​experience and advisory ​functions make ​him an appropriate candidate ​to lead the IRS.

This appointment indicates ​an exit from the current administration approach. ​IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel, appointed ​by President Joe Biden in 2023 for a five-year term ending in 2027, focused on expanding the implementation and implementation of technological improvements within the Agency. Under Werfel’s leadership, the IRS prioritized the ​improvement of taxpayer services and intensified ​audits of high-income individuals and large corporations. President Trump’s ​decision to ​appoint Long suggests ​a possible reassessment of these priorities.

Long’s appointment generated a variety of reactions. The supporters emphasize their dedication and practical experience. However, critics, including Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), expressed ​concern about their qualifications, noting their lack of direct experience in tax ​administration. Senator Warren said: “The appointment of ​Billy Long as head of the IRS is bad ​news for middle-class taxpayers and a victory for ​the ultra-low tax cheaters. »

In a broader context, this appointment ​is in line with Trump’s elected president’s commitment to ​reduce what he ​perceives as the overexposure of the IRS. ​The previous administration has allocated ​$80 billion ​to the IRS through the Inflation Reduction Act to improve enforcement and customary service. However, the Republicans expressed concern about ​possible overrun, which led to legislative efforts to freeze some of this funding. The incoming administration’s position ​suggests ​a shift to ​reducing audits of rich and ​reallocated resources to improve taxpayer services.

As the appointment process progresses, the Senate will assume responsibility for confirming Long’s appointment. This decision will have a significant impact on the future trajectory of the IRS, which will ​influence its operational approach ​and the balance between service delivery and taxpayer assistance.