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Billy Long Faces Intense Scrutiny in IRS Confirmation Hearing

Trump's nominee for IRS commissioner defends his record on dubious tax credits, campaign contributions, and social media controversies while pledging agency independence and modernization.

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Former Missouri Republican Rep. Billy Long, nominated to be commissioner of the IRS, testifies during his confirmation hearing at the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday.
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Former Rep. Billy Long, R-Mo., President Donald Trump's nominee to be Internal Revenue Service commissioner, speaks during a Senate Finance Committee nomination hearing on Capitol Hill on May 20, 2025 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Billy Long, former Missouri congressman and Trump's pick for IRS commissioner, testified before the Senate Finance Committee, addressing allegations of promoting nonexistent tribal tax credits.
  • Sen. Ron Wyden revealed recordings suggesting Long may have promised favorable treatment to tax promoters, raising conflict-of-interest concerns.
  • Long's dormant 2022 Senate campaign received over $135,000 in donations from individuals linked to tax credit promoters after his nomination, prompting questions about potential quid pro quo arrangements.
  • A Rolling Stone investigation uncovered that Long's X account followed explicit content, which the Trump administration attributed to a hack, though the incident has fueled broader security concerns.
  • Long emphasized plans to modernize the IRS using private-sector strategies and vowed to shield the agency from political influence, as the Senate deliberates his confirmation.