Seven IRS commissioners in just one year and sweeping job cuts signal a federal shakeup, as President Trump’s appointee takes direct control to restore order in a battered tax agency.

Bessent’s Unprecedented Move: Direct Control Amid IRS Turmoil

Scott Bessent, already entrusted as Treasury Secretary, made headlines by taking on the acting IRS commissioner position after President Trump swiftly removed Billy Long, who had served less than two months. Bessent’s 45-minute address at IRS headquarters was designed to reassure a staff shaken by rapid leadership turnover and deep workforce reductions. His decision to lead both Treasury and the IRS is part of a broader Trump administration effort to streamline federal agencies and align them with constitutional, pro-taxpayer values.

Bessent’s visit comes on the heels of a dramatic series of leadership changes: since the start of 2025, the IRS has cycled through seven commissioners, both acting and confirmed. This rate of turnover is unprecedented for a critical agency responsible for enforcing tax law and funding government operations. The instability has been compounded by the removal of 25,000 IRS employees—one quarter of the agency’s workforce—in just six months, as part of a government-wide downsizing effort championed by Trump to rein in bureaucracy and fiscal excess.

IRS Workforce Shrinks, Raising Questions About Service and Oversight

The scale of IRS staff reductions has left many Americans wondering how the agency will handle the upcoming tax filing season and enforce new laws. Morale among remaining employees is fragile, with concerns about job security and the agency’s ability to fulfill its mission. The IRS has yet to announce the official start date for the 2026 filing season, although former commissioner Long suggested it would be around Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Observers note that the agency’s capacity to serve taxpayers and implement legislation is now under intense scrutiny.

Bessent addressed these worries head-on, promising hands-on leadership and a commitment to stabilizing the agency. He assured staff that the IRS would adapt to changes and meet its responsibilities, despite the ongoing search for a permanent commissioner. His dual role gives him significant influence over both fiscal policy and tax administration, a consolidation of authority that Trump’s supporters argue is necessary to correct years of mismanagement and restore trust in government institutions.

Trump’s Restructuring: Conservative Pushback Against the Old Order

President Trump’s direct involvement in IRS leadership changes marks a sharp break from previous administrations, which handled transitions with more continuity. Trump advocates see these moves as necessary to break the cycle of bureaucratic resistance and promote accountability in an agency long criticized for overreach and inefficiency. By removing Billy Long and installing Bessent—a proven loyalist and fiscal hawk—Trump is signaling a commitment to constitutional government and fiscal restraint. Critics warn that such rapid changes threaten agency effectiveness, but supporters argue that the old system’s failures justified bold action.

The restructuring of the IRS is part of a broader federal shakeup under Trump, including efforts to downsize agencies, streamline operations, and replace leaders seen as obstacles to conservative reform. IRS employees, taxpayers, and tax professionals all face uncertainty as the agency adapts to its new reality. Some experts argue that frequent leadership changes and job cuts could undermine institutional knowledge and morale, while others believe this is the necessary price for restoring limited, accountable government.

Expert Analysis: Stability Versus Reform in the IRS Shakeup

Industry analysts call this period “unprecedented in modern history,” highlighting both risks and opportunities. On one hand, ongoing churn and staff reductions could impair taxpayer services and enforcement, potentially delaying refunds or complicating filing for small businesses and families. On the other, governance experts argue that strong, clear leadership—especially one aligned with the administration’s priorities—can refocus the IRS on its core mission and cut out wasteful spending. As Bessent settles into his expanded role and the Trump administration searches for a permanent commissioner, the IRS’s future will depend on the balance struck between decisive reform and operational stability.

Scott Bessent’s sudden visit to IRS office — with whistleblowers — sends strong message just days after sixth commish was ousted https://t.co/i78JW0mDvm pic.twitter.com/26vrGoSkkP

— NY Post Opinion (@NYPostOpinion) August 14, 2025

For conservatives, these changes reflect a long-awaited pushback against bloated federal bureaucracy and intrusive government. The coming months will show whether Bessent’s hands-on approach can restore the IRS to constitutional principles, protect taxpayers, and deliver on Trump’s promise to put America first—even in the heart of the tax bureaucracy.

Sources:

Bessent Makes First IRS Visit as Acting Commissioner, Reassures Staff After Long’s Ouster (Axios)

Billy Long Out as IRS Commissioner After Less Than Two Months (The Tax Adviser)

Commissioner of Internal Revenue (Wikipedia)

IRS Chief to Leave Agency Less Than Two Months After Entering Job (GovExec)

Bessent Visits IRS HQ, Addresses Staff as Acting Commissioner (Axios)