Trump Ally's 60-Day IRS Reign Ends Amid Senate Investigation Bombshell

Paul Riverbank, 8/9/2025Trump ally's 60-day IRS leadership ends amid Senate probe and massive staff exodus.

The Revolving Door at the IRS: A Closer Look at Billy Long's 60-Day Tenure

In my two decades covering Washington's bureaucratic machinery, I've witnessed plenty of swift exits – but nothing quite like this. Billy Long's blink-and-you'll-miss-it stint as IRS Commissioner has set an dubious record that speaks volumes about our current political climate.

Long, fresh from Missouri's congressional corridors and carrying his Trump-aligned credentials, barely had time to warm his seat before being shuttled off to Iceland's cooler climes. His 60-day tenure wasn't just brief – it was historically short. I remember when a six-month IRS commissioner term made headlines back in '97. Now that seems practically tenured by comparison.

What's particularly striking isn't just the brevity – it's the bizarre management style Long displayed during his brief reign. Picture this: a commissioner announcing early dismissal for his birthday celebration via agency-wide email. It reads more like a quirky startup CEO than the head of America's tax collection agency.

The numbers tell their own troubling story. Under Long's watch, the IRS hemorrhaged staff through what they're euphemistically calling a "deferred resignation program." We're talking about a drop from 103,000 to 77,000 employees – that's not trimming fat, that's amputating limbs.

I spoke with several career IRS officials last week (who, understandably, preferred to remain unnamed). Their take? The constant leadership churn – six commissioners in one year – has left middle management paralyzed. "We're getting whiplash from all the directional changes," one 20-year veteran told me over coffee.

The plot thickens with Sen. Wyden's cryptic reference to "alarming information" about Long's conduct. Having covered Wyden for years, I know he's not one for empty rhetoric. When he hints at investigations, there's usually fire beneath that smoke.

Treasury Secretary Bessent now faces the unenviable task of wearing two hats – running Treasury while steering an increasingly rudderless IRS. It's worth noting this dual-role arrangement mirrors other recent administrative shuffles, like the Waltz situation at National Security.

From where I sit, this musical chairs approach to leadership isn't just about individual careers – it's symptomatic of deeper institutional instability. The IRS isn't some minor agency that can run on autopilot. It's the engine that keeps government funded, and right now, that engine is sputtering.

We'll be watching closely as this story develops. Something tells me we haven't heard the last of Billy Long's abbreviated adventure in tax administration.

The Revolving Door at the IRS: A Closer Look at Billy Long's 60-Day TenureIn my two decades covering Washington's bureaucratic machinery, I've witnessed plenty of swift exits – but nothing quite like this. Billy Long's blink-and-you'll-miss-it stint as IRS Commissioner has set an dubious record that speaks volumes about our current political climate.Long, fresh from Missouri's congressional corridors and carrying his Trump-aligned credentials, barely had time to warm his seat before being shuttled off to Iceland's cooler climes. His 60-day tenure wasn't just brief – it was historically short. I remember when a six-month IRS commissioner term made headlines back in '97. Now that seems practically tenured by comparison.What's particularly striking isn't just the brevity – it's the bizarre management style Long displayed during his brief reign. Picture this: a commissioner announcing early dismissal for his birthday celebration via agency-wide email. It reads more like a quirky startup CEO than the head of America's tax collection agency.The numbers tell their own troubling story. Under Long's watch, the IRS hemorrhaged staff through what they're euphemistically calling a "deferred resignation program." We're talking about a drop from 103,000 to 77,000 employees – that's not trimming fat, that's amputating limbs.I spoke with several career IRS officials last week (who, understandably, preferred to remain unnamed). Their take? The constant leadership churn – six commissioners in one year – has left middle management paralyzed. "We're getting whiplash from all the directional changes," one 20-year veteran told me over coffee.The plot thickens with Sen. Wyden's cryptic reference to "alarming information" about Long's conduct. Having covered Wyden for years, I know he's not one for empty rhetoric. When he hints at investigations, there's usually fire beneath that smoke.Treasury Secretary Bessent now faces the unenviable task of wearing two hats – running Treasury while steering an increasingly rudderless IRS. It's worth noting this dual-role arrangement mirrors other recent administrative shuffles, like the Waltz situation at National Security.From where I sit, this musical chairs approach to leadership isn't just about individual careers – it's symptomatic of deeper institutional instability. The IRS isn't some minor agency that can run on autopilot. It's the engine that keeps government funded, and right now, that engine is sputtering.We'll be watching closely as this story develops. Something tells me we haven't heard the last of Billy Long's abbreviated adventure in tax administration.