Trump bids on former Congressman and auctioneer as IRS chief
WASHINGTON – President-elect Donald Trump tapped former Rep. Billy Long, R-Mo., to lead the Internal Revenue Service.
“I have known Billy since 2011 - He is an extremely hard worker, and respected by all, especially by those who know him in Congress,” Trump said in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Wednesday night. “Taxpayers and the wonderful employees of the IRS will love having Billy at the helm.”
Long, who represented the southwestern corner of Missouri in Congress until 2022, was among the first lawmakers to support Trump’s 2016 bid for the White House. Prior to running for Congress in 2010, Long owned an auction company and worked as a conservative radio show host.
Drowning out Laura Loomer
That experience came in handy in 2018, when Long used his auctioneer call to drown out a far-right protester during a hearing with former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey. The protester was Laura Loomer – a conspiracy theorist who later became a close ally of Trump’s during the 2024 campaign.
Trump in his announcement called Long a “consummate ‘people person’” and highlighted his experience as a business owner.
“Billy brings 32 years of experience running his own businesses in Real Estate and, as one of the premier Auctioneers in the Country,” Trump said. Since leaving Congress, Billy has worked as a Business and Tax advisor, helping Small Businesses navigate the complexities of complying with the IRS Rules and Regulations.”
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Trump tax cuts?
During the campaign, Trump proposed a slew of major tax cuts that, if passed by Congress, would be administered by the IRS. If confirmed by the Senate, Long will be charged with overseeing changes to tax policy implemented by the Trump administration and Congress.