Former southwest Missouri representative Billy Long nominated by Trump to lead IRS

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- President-elect Donald Trump announced on Truth Social Wednesday that he is nominating former Missouri Rep. Billy Long of Springfield to become the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

"I am pleased to announce that former Congressman Billy Long, of the Great State of Missouri, will be appointed to serve as the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)," Trump posted on Truth Social. "Billy brings 32 years of experience running his own businesses in Real Estate and, as one of the premier Auctioneers in the Country. He then served 12 years in Congress, because he 'felt it was important for his constituents to have a Representative who has signed the front of a check!'"

Billy Long, a Republican, served in the United States House of Representatives for 12 years from 2011-2023 and launched an unsuccessful U.S. Senate campaign in 2022. Long represented Missouri's 7th Congressional District, which covers southwest Missouri, including Springfield.

Trump's post states that after leaving Congress, Long spent his time as a business and tax advisor helping small businesses comply with IRS rules and regulations. Trump's post also says he is a hard worker who is "well respected on both sides of the aisle."