President-elect Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he has chosen former Rep. Billy Long (R-MO) to serve as the next commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
By appointing Long, Trump effectively announced that he would fire current IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel, who was appointed by President Joe Biden, after he is sworn into office in January.
“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 in a statement. “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.”
Trump noted that Long served six terms in Congress, during which time he used his business expertise to help his constituents.
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“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 continued. “Taxpayers and the wonderful employees of the IRS will love having Billy at the helm. He is the consummate ‘people person,’ well respected on both sides of the aisle.”
The 69-year-old responded by writing in a post on X that he was “very honored and excited” to be appointed to the role.
“I will not be issuing a blanket pardon,” he said in a joke aimed at President Joe Biden, “but I will be issuing a blanket thank you because I can’t keep up with all of you as fast as my phone is blowing up. Thank you. Let’s get to work!”
I will not be issuing a blanket pardon, but I will be issuing a blanket thank you because I can’t keep up with all of you as fast as my phone is blowing up. Thank you. Let’s get to work! 👍👍🇺🇸
— Congressman Billy Long, CTBA (@auctnr1) December 4, 2024
