Trump Replaces IRS Commissioner as Tariffs Boost Revenue and Tax Relief Expands
WASHINGTON, D.C. — August 8, 2025
President Donald J. Trump has removed IRS Commissioner Billy Long just weeks after his swearing-in, signaling the administration’s continued overhaul of federal tax policy and revenue operations. Long will now serve as U.S. Ambassador to Iceland, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent steps in to temporarily lead the agency.
This move coincides with the rollout of Trump’s aggressive new tariff policy and the enactment of sweeping tax cuts aimed at fueling American prosperity. In a statement to NBC News, Long praised the president’s vision:
“It is an honor to serve my friend President Trump. I am thrilled to answer his call to service and help advance his bold agenda. Exciting times ahead!”
Bessent Takes the Helm Amid Revenue Transformation
Bessent’s appointment marks the sixth leadership change at the IRS this year under Trump, a sign of the administration’s intent to radically reimagine the agency. Bessent, already managing complex trade negotiations and assisting in the Federal Reserve chair selection process, now takes on the IRS as part of a broader mission to modernize America’s financial infrastructure.
Under Trump and Bessent, the IRS has undergone staffing reductions as part of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a new federal initiative focused on lean, results-oriented governance.
America’s Revenue is Going Global—On Purpose
The U.S. is now collecting over $100 billion in annual tariff revenue, a direct result of Trump’s America-First import policies. That money, paid by importers and foreign manufacturers, is reshaping how Washington funds federal operations.
The president has floated the idea of an “External Revenue Service” to handle this influx—an evolution of federal finance that prioritizes foreign-based collections over domestic tax burdens.
Tax Cuts and Priorities: Putting Americans First
Last month, Trump signed into law what supporters call the “big, beautiful bill”—a comprehensive package of tax cuts, military investment, and streamlined public services. Highlights include:
- Extended 2017 Trump tax cuts
- Temporary tax relief on tips and overtime
- Deductions for auto loan interest
- Billions in new funding for border security and mass deportation operations
The legislation passed the Senate thanks to a tie-breaking vote by Vice President JD Vance, underscoring the administration’s unity in pursuing economic freedom and national security.
While critics cite the projected $3.3 trillion increase in national debt over ten years, the Trump administration maintains that growth, repatriated revenue, and reduced bureaucracy will offset long-term costs.
Shifting Priorities in Washington
Treasury officials commended Long for his energy and patriotism, noting that a new permanent commissioner will be announced soon. Until then, Bessent will oversee both internal and external revenue strategies as America pivots to a stronger, trade-powered economy.
“We’re finally putting the burden on foreign producers, not hardworking American families,” one administration insider noted. “This is what economic nationalism looks like in action.”
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