From auctioneer to IRS chief to ambassador, the unconventional career of Billy Long

Cultures · Published 10 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Billy Long has navigated a singular political path, moving from a Missouri auctioneering career to the U.S. House of Representatives, a brief stint leading the IRS, and finally an ambassadorship to Iceland. His trajectory is marked by a consistent, vocal desire to dismantle the very institutions he was appointed to lead.

Born in Springfield, Missouri, in 1955, Billy Long spent decades as an auctioneer before entering federal politics. Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2010, he served until 2023, during which time he became a prominent advocate for abolishing the Internal Revenue Service. He frequently co-sponsored legislation like the Fair Tax Act, which sought to replace the income tax system with a national retail sales tax and dissolve the IRS entirely. Despite these efforts, President Donald Trump nominated him to lead the agency in December 2024.

Long's tenure as IRS commissioner was remarkably brief. Confirmed by the Senate in June 2025, he was removed from the position by President Trump just two months later in August 2025. His nomination had drawn scrutiny not only for his past calls to eliminate the agency but also for his involvement with the Employee Retention Credit, a tax program plagued by improper claims. Critics, including Senator Ron Wyden, questioned his qualifications and his previous professional work with firms that encouraged clients to apply for these credits.

Following his departure from the IRS, Long was nominated as the U.S. Ambassador to Iceland. His confirmation process became controversial after he suggested that Iceland should become the 52nd U.S. state, a remark that sparked an Icelandic petition for his rejection. Despite this, he was confirmed by the Senate in May 2026. Throughout his career, Long has maintained a staunchly conservative record, earning high ratings from the National Rifle Association and consistently opposing stricter gun control measures, while positioning himself as a loyal ally to Donald Trump.

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