Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) sharply criticized former Rep. Billy Long’s nomination to head the IRS, calling it “bad news for middle-class taxpayers” and a victory for the ultra-wealthy. The former Missouri congressman was nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), a move that quickly sparked backlash.
On Truth Social, Trump touted Long’s qualifications, emphasizing his 32 years of experience in real estate and his success as one of the country’s top auctioneers. Trump also highlighted Long’s 12 years in Congress, where he claimed Long’s “hands-on” experience running businesses and his work as a tax advisor made him well-suited for the IRS role.
“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!’” Trump wrote. “Taxpayers and the wonderful employees of the IRS will love having Billy at the helm. He is the consummate ‘people person,’ well respected on both sides of the aisle.”
However, Warren was quick to blast the nomination. On X (formerly Twitter), she argued that Long lacked the necessary qualifications for such a pivotal role and warned that his confirmation could lead to worsening conditions for the average taxpayer.
“Billy Long’s nomination is bad news for middle-class taxpayers and a win for ultra-wealthy tax cheats,” Warren wrote. “If he’s confirmed, you can expect longer wait times for customer service, a more complicated process to file taxes, and free rein for the rich to rig the system at our expense.”
Warren continued to criticize Long’s nomination in a follow-up post, pointing out his lack of relevant experience in managing the nation’s tax agency. She also raised concerns about the broader implications of the nomination and the firing of the current IRS commissioner.
“Long has zero relevant experience for this critical management role,” Warren said. “This pick — along with the unprecedented firing of the current commissioner — should set off alarm bells about the weaponization of the tax agency.”
As Long’s confirmation process moves forward, it remains to be seen whether he can overcome the mounting criticisms, especially from Democratic lawmakers like Warren who view the nomination as part of a larger effort to benefit the wealthiest Americans.