Long was a Republican congressman from 2011 to 2023; choice was announced on Truth Social, Trump’s social network
US President-elect Donald Trump (Republican Party) announced that he has chosen Billy Long to head the IRS (Internal Revenue Service), a position that, in Brazil, is equivalent to secretary of the Federal Revenue Service. The announcement was made through the social network Truth Social on Wednesday (Dec 4, 2024).
In , Trump praised Long’s career, stating that he has more than 32 years of experience running his own real estate business. According to the president-elect, Long then served 12 years in the United States Congress because “felt it was important for voters to have a representative who signed the front of the check”.
“Since leaving Congress, Billy has worked as a business and tax advisor, helping small businesses navigate the complexities of adapting to IRS rules and regulations. I’ve known Billy since 2011 – he works hard, is respected by everyone, especially those who know him from Congress. Wonderful IRS taxpayers and employees will love having Billy at the helm. He is the personification of ‘man of the people’, respected on all fronts. Congratulations, Billy!,” Trump wrote.
Billy Long is 69 years old and represented Missouri in Congress for the Republican Party from 2011 to 2023, in addition to working as a professional auctioneer. His choice confirms Trump’s intention to remove Danny Werfel, current head of the IRS, appointed by Joe Biden (Democratic Party), current president of the United States, in March 2023.
Long began working as a business and tax advisor after leaving Congress. He encouraged businesses and nonprofits to seek an employee retention tax credit. This measure was implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic to reduce the tax burden on businesses, but was harshly suppressed by Werfel and the IRS, who cited fraud and ineligible claims.
DEMOCRATS CRITICIZE CHOICE
Massachusetts Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren posted on X (formerly Twitter) criticizing Trump for choosing Long for the IRS. According to the senator, his appointment as head of the US IRS is a “bad news for middle class taxpayers and a win for super rich tax evaders”.
She wrote: “If it is confirmed [no cargo]citizens can expect long waits for customer service, more complicated processes for filing taxes, and a free path for the rich to game the system at our expense. Long does not have relevant experience for this important leadership position and this choice – along with the unprecedented dismissal of the current commissioner – should raise alarm bells about the use of the tax agency as a weapon.”.
