When it comes to President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the IRS, it seems like this one is flying under the radar – but it could be a bigger deal than we realize. Political observer Eleanor Clift isn’t holding back her concerns about Billy Long, the former Republican congressman from Missouri, calling him a “danger” to the IRS and criticizing his lack of experience.
So, who is Billy Long, and why is his nomination raising eyebrows? Well, Long, who has a background as an auctioneer and a poker player, is known for his aggressive tactics. According to Clift, appointing him to lead the IRS is like putting a fox in charge of the henhouse. Ouch!
Long’s involvement in promoting a controversial pandemic-era tax credit in 2023, which ultimately led to a massive cost blowout, has added fuel to the fire. Originally estimated to cost $55 billion, the program ballooned to over $230 billion, with some saying it could even hit $500 billion! The IRS tried to clamp down on it, but the damage was done.
And if you’re looking for someone who could go after political opponents with the IRS, Long is already being seen as a prime candidate for that job. Brendan Duke, a tax expert, warned that if Long gets confirmed, it could be disastrous for efforts to fix and improve the IRS, especially after President Biden allocated $80 billion to boost IRS enforcement and customer service.
Clift’s concern? If Long gets the green light from the Senate, it might be game over for those reform efforts – and could signal even more challenges ahead for the IRS under the new administration.
So, with all eyes on this nomination, it’s clear that what happens next could have major consequences for how the IRS operates in the future. Will Long pass the Senate confirmation? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: the stakes couldn’t be higher!
