Billy Long, President Trump’s nominee to lead the IRS, is facing heated scrutiny from Senate Democrats over his past efforts to eliminate the agency—and his ties to companies linked to fraudulent tax credits.
At a Glance
- Billy Long, nominated to lead the IRS, previously sponsored a bill to abolish the agency
- Long faces criticism for promoting pandemic-era tax credits later deemed fraudulent
- He admitted confusion over laws preventing presidential interference in IRS operations
- Democrats raised concerns about campaign donations from companies under investigation
- A Senate vote on his confirmation has not yet been scheduled
From Abolisher to Administrator
Long’s nomination stunned many in Washington. A former Republican congressman from Missouri, he was a vocal backer of the Fair Tax Act, which aimed to replace the federal income tax with a national sales tax—effectively eliminating the IRS. Now, Trump wants him to lead the very agency he once tried to dismantle.
Since leaving Congress, Long has been linked to companies accused of exploiting the employee retention credit, a COVID-era relief program the IRS says was riddled with abuse. One such company, White River Energy Corp., allegedly promoted fictitious tax benefits and has been subject to federal investigations.
Senate Hearing Turns Tense
During his confirmation hearing, Long was grilled by Senate Democrats over both his past legislative positions and his ethical fitness to lead the IRS. Senator Elizabeth Warren questioned his understanding of the statutory firewall that shields the IRS from White House interference—especially after Trump publicly vowed to revoke tax-exempt status for “liberal nonprofits” if reelected.
Senator Ron Wyden pressed Long about campaign donations he received from tax credit companies shortly after his nomination. Long dismissed the concerns as “unrelated,” though he acknowledged they could “appear problematic.”
Watch a report: Trump’s IRS Nominee Questioned on Ethics and Law.
Can the IRS Trust Its New Boss?
Despite the uproar, Senate Republicans have mostly backed Long, pointing to his experience in Congress. Senator Mike Crapo said he was “confident Billy Long will serve with transparency and integrity,” even as critics called the nomination a political stunt.
The IRS itself remains under pressure. After multiple acting commissioners, morale and staffing remain low. The agency also faces mounting challenges over cybersecurity, audit disparities, and the Biden-era Direct File program, which Long has signaled he may “review or modify.”
For now, the Senate has not set a date for the confirmation vote. But with his controversial record and murky business ties, Long’s path to leadership at the IRS is far from assured—and the outcome could reshape how tax enforcement is handled in Trump’s second term.
