Trump Nominates Former Congressman and Auctioneer to Lead IRS

Former auctioneer without a college degree nominated as IRS Commissioner, sparking fierce debate over tax policy and agency operations.

At a Glance

  • Trump nominates Billy Long as IRS Commissioner, raising concerns about qualifications and potential agency control
  • Republicans push to end IRS Direct File program, citing conflict of interest and unauthorized expansion
  • IRS faces $20 billion reduction in special funding and proposed $2.2 billion budget cut
  • Nomination could shift focus away from enforcing tax compliance among high-income individuals and corporations
  • Debate highlights ideological differences in federal tax system evolution

Trump’s Unconventional IRS Commissioner Pick Raises Eyebrows

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated former Missouri Congressman Billy Long as the next IRS Commissioner, igniting a firestorm of controversy and debate about the future of tax policy and IRS operations. Long, a certified auctioneer with limited tax experience and no college degree, is set to oversee an agency with 85,000 employees and a $12 billion annual budget. Long served as Representative from Missouri for 12 years. This unconventional choice has drawn criticism from Democrats and raised questions about the potential reshaping of the IRS under a Trump administration.

Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) voiced strong opposition to the nomination, suggesting that Trump’s true motive might be to gain control over the IRS. The current IRS Commissioner, Danny Werfel, appointed by President Biden, has a term that doesn’t expire until 2027. This unusual situation sets the stage for a potential power struggle within the agency.

“If Trump fires Mr. Werfel, it won’t be to improve on his work; it’ll be to install somebody Trump can control as he meddles with the IRS,” said Wyden.

Trump, however, expressed confidence in his nominee, stating, “Taxpayers and the exceptional staff at the IRS will appreciate having Billy in charge.”

Republican Push to End IRS Direct File Program

As the transition of power looms, Republican lawmakers are taking aim at the IRS Direct File initiative, a program that allows taxpayers to submit simple tax returns directly to the IRS for free. In a letter to the President-elect, multiple Republican representatives called for the termination of this program, labeling it “unauthorized and wasteful” and a clear conflict of interest.

The Direct File program, which was used by 140,000 Americans in 2024, has been gradually expanding its reach. Initially piloted in 12 states in March 2024, it was set to cover 12 additional states for the 2025 tax filing season. However, Republicans argue that the IRS should not serve as both tax preparer and enforcer, citing concerns about the agency’s dual role.

This push to end the Direct File program aligns with broader Republican plans to reshape tax policy before key aspects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) expire. Their priorities include making individual tax cuts permanent and maintaining a lower corporate tax rate, potentially shifting the focus away from enforcing tax compliance among high-income individuals and corporations.

IRS Funding Cuts and Modernization Efforts

The IRS is facing significant financial challenges, with a $20 billion reduction in special funding and a proposed $2.2 billion budget cut on the horizon. These cuts come at a time when the agency is undergoing a multi-billion-dollar overhaul under current Commissioner Werfel, focusing on improving customer service and tax compliance.

Despite these challenges, outgoing IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel remains optimistic about the Direct File program’s potential:

“We’re excited about the improvements to Direct File and the millions more taxpayers who will be eligible to use the service this year.”

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