Former Congressman Billy Long’s nomination as IRS Director by President-elect Donald Trump marks a significant departure from traditional appointments, sparking both support and skepticism.
At a Glance
- President-elect Trump nominates ex-congressman Billy Long as IRS Director
- Long brings 32 years of business experience in real estate and auctions
- The nomination draws mixed reactions, with conservatives supporting and liberals criticizing
- Long’s background is primarily outside the tax industry, raising concerns about his qualifications
- If confirmed, Long would oversee 85,000 employees and a $12 billion+ budget
Trump’s Unconventional Choice for IRS Leadership
President-elect Donald Trump has announced his intention to appoint former Missouri Congressman Billy Long as the new head of the Internal Revenue Service. This decision marks a notable shift from traditional appointments, as Long’s background primarily lies in real estate and auctioneering rather than tax administration.
Long’s nomination has garnered support from conservatives who see potential for innovative reforms within the IRS. However, critics argue that his lack of formal tax industry experience could hinder the agency’s recent progress in areas such as auditing wealthy taxpayers and improving customer service efficiency.
Long’s Background and Qualifications
Billy Long, a Republican from Missouri, brings a unique set of skills to the table. President-elect Trump emphasized Long’s business acumen, stating:
“32 years of experience running his own businesses in Real Estate and, as one of the premier Auctioneers in the Country.” – Source
During his time in Congress, Long co-sponsored legislation aimed at overhauling the tax code. Since leaving office, he has served as a tax adviser, providing guidance to businesses on tax credits. However, his primary experience lies outside the traditional tax industry, which has raised questions about his readiness to lead the complex operations of the IRS.
Challenges and Expectations
If confirmed, Long would take the helm of an agency with 85,000 employees and a budget exceeding $12 billion. He would be tasked with maintaining and advancing recent improvements in IRS functions, including expanded audits on wealthy taxpayers and enhanced customer service.
Critics, including Lindsay Owens, have expressed concerns about Long’s qualifications, stating:
“This guy is an auctioneer — that’s his expertise.” – Source
Democratic lawmakers worry that Long’s appointment could disrupt the progress made under current IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. Rep. Beyer voiced his concerns:
“Removing him will clearly signal Trump’s intention to make the agency less responsive to the American people, while giving a green light to wealthy tax cheats to evade their fair share of the tax burden.” – Source
Support from Republican Lawmakers
Republican lawmakers have rallied behind Long’s nomination, citing the need to address issues such as privacy concerns and resource efficiency within the IRS. They view Long’s outsider perspective and business background as potential catalysts for much-needed reforms in the agency’s operations.
President-elect Donald Trump said he intends to nominate former Rep. Billy Long (R-Mo.) as IRS commissioner, cutting current chief Danny Werfel’s term short. https://t.co/M51kJUthhy
— Bloomberg Tax (@tax) December 5, 2024
As the confirmation process unfolds, the debate over Long’s qualifications and vision for the IRS is likely to intensify. Supporters see an opportunity for fresh ideas and conservative-aligned restructuring, while critics worry about the potential disruption to recent improvements in tax administration and enforcement.
Sources:
- Here’s what to know about Trump’s pick to lead the IRS, Billy Long
- Trump picks former Rep. Billy Long for IRS commissioner
