Former Congressman Billy Long lasted less than two months atop the IRS.
Long, a Republican who represented Missouri for six terms, was confirmed in June on a party-line 53 to 44 vote. Senate Democrats opposed him due to his lack of tax-related experience. Long previously supported legislation to abolish the IRS.
As commissioner, Long became known for cheerfully emailing IRS employees to tell them to take off work early on Fridays. “With this being Thursday before another FriYay, please enjoy a 70-minute early exit tomorrow,” Long wrote Thursday in an email to his staff, per CNN. “That way you’ll be well rested for my 70th birthday on Monday.”
The New York Times reported that he clashed with the Treasury Secretary, who will now lead the tax agency as Long’s acting replacement.
“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,” Long wrote Friday on X. “Exciting times ahead!”
Trump announced his intent to nominate Long after the 2024 election, even though there was already a commissioner at the time.
