Former Missouri Congressman Billy Long’s brief tenure as IRS commissioner reportedly came to an abrupt end on Friday, when President Donald Trump dismissed him after just two months on the job — only to promptly nominate him as ambassador to Iceland.
Long, who had vocally opposed the IRS throughout his political career and once called for its abolition, sent a lighthearted farewell email to IRS staff on Thursday, announcing they could leave 70 minutes early the following day. “With this being Thursday before another FriYay, please enjoy a 70-minute early exit tomorrow.
That way you’ll be rested for my 70th birthday on Monday!” he wrote. That message would mark his final communication as commissioner.
According to a report from The New York Times citing two sources familiar with the matter, Long grew frustrated during his short stint, frequently needing Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s approval on decisions — a dynamic that reportedly contributed to his dismissal.
Despite the sudden change in roles, Long embraced his new diplomatic assignment with enthusiasm. “It is an honor to serve my friend President Trump and I am excited to take on my new role as the ambassador to Iceland,” he declared on social media shortly after the announcement. “I am thrilled to answer his call to service and deeply committed to advancing his bold agenda. Exciting times ahead!”
Injecting a bit of humor into the situation, Long also joked about a mix-up with the acronym ICE — Immigration and Customs Enforcement — referencing actor Dean Cain’s recent decision to join ICE. “I saw where Former Superman actor Dean Cain says he’s joining ICE so I got all fired up and thought I’d do the same,” Long quipped. “So I called @realDonaldTrump last night and told him I wanted to join ICE and I guess he thought I said Iceland? Oh well.”
Long’s confirmation to the ambassadorship will require Senate approval, the same body that confirmed him as IRS commissioner in June with a largely party-line vote of 53-44.
His brief and tumultuous tenure at the IRS comes amid ongoing criticism from conservatives about the agency’s size and scope. Long, a vocal advocate for limited government, entered the role as the IRS faced calls for reform and scrutiny over its enforcement strategies, particularly following expanded funding under the previous administration to increase audits and compliance.
Long’s swift transition from IRS chief — a position he once publicly derided — to a diplomatic post underscores the ongoing reshuffling within the federal bureaucracy under Trump’s leadership, who has sought to place loyal allies in key positions while trimming what he and his supporters view as overreaching government agencies.
As Long prepares for his new assignment in Reykjavik, his supporters see the move as a continuation of his commitment to serving conservative priorities and advancing the administration’s agenda on the international stage.
The ambassadorship may offer him a chance to leave behind the bureaucratic challenges of Washington for a diplomatic role more aligned with traditional public service.
The episode highlights the balancing act the Trump administration faces in managing federal agencies while rewarding loyalists and maintaining an aggressive stance on government reform — a key talking point for conservatives nationwide.
[READ MORE: James Carville Pushes Radical Overhaul of U.S. Government to “Save Democracy” from Trump]
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