Aug 10, 2025 - Politics & Policy

Bessent taking over IRS as acting head after commissioner departure

Avery Lotz

Scott Bessent holds his hand to his chin during an Oval Office event. — Scott Bessent, US treasury secretary, in the Oval Office of the White House on Aug. 6. Photo: Bonnie Cash/UPI/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Following Billy Long's announced departure from the Internal Revenue Service, which came less than two months after he was sworn in as commissioner, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will step in as the agency's acting head, Axios has learned.

The big picture: The Treasury Secretary, who will take over the post as he continues to manage trade negotiations and assists in the search for a new Federal Reserve chair, joins several other administration officials who are juggling multiple government posts under President Trump.

The IRS, which is a bureau of the Treasury Department, faced deep job cuts amid a broader DOGE-driven purge of the federal government under Trump, as well as a chaotic leadership churn.

Catch up quick: Long, a former U.S. congressman for Missouri and auctioneer, shared in a Friday X post that Trump tapped him to be ambassador to Iceland, adding he was "thrilled to answer his call to service and deeply committed to advancing his bold agenda."

In a separate post, he assured that "tax filing season will start at the customary time.
Multiple outlets reported that Trump ousted Long from the role.
The Treasury Department did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.

By the numbers: The IRS has seen a revolving door of leadership throughout the president's second term, with Bessent being the sixth person to lead the agency in Trump's second term and the seventh since the start of the year.

Trump announced his intent to nominate Long to head the agency in December 2024 — but he was not confirmed by the Senate until June.

Danny Werfel, who had served as commissioner since March 2023, resigned on Inauguration Day and was replaced in an acting capacity by his deputy, who then retired.
In February, Bessent announced chief operating officer Melanie Krause would take over the post — but she resigned in April on the heels of a deal to share taxpayer data with immigration authorities. Two other acting heads filled the role before Long.

Go deeper: Scoop: Democrats challenge Bessent's victory lap on IRS tax revenue

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Bessent taking over IRS as acting head after commissioner departure

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