Bessent makes first visit to IRS as acting commissioner

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent made his first visit to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as the acting commissioner on Thursday, days after President Trump ousted Billy Long from the position.

Bessent, who is now the tax agency’s seventh commissioner, met with the leadership during which he discussed the modernization of the IT systems within the IRS, a Treasury Department spokesperson told The Hill. 

During the visit, the interim chief also emphasized his priorities for the agency: “Collections, Customer Service and Privacy.” 

IRS whistleblowers Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler were also in attendance alongside Bessent, the spokesperson added. Their visit was first reported by The New York Post. 

Shapley and Ziegler, who were promoted to leadership positions at the Treasury Department in March, alleged that the Department of Justice slow-walked its probe into Hunter Biden, the son of former President Biden. 

The IRS did not respond to a request for comment.

Long, a controversial pick to lead the IRS, was removed as the commissioner last week after just two months in the role. The ouster came as Treasury Department leadership clashed with Long and there were concerns within the administration that the former House lawmaker (R-Mo.) was not a good fit to lead the IRS.

After his removal last week, Long said on social media that it was an “honor” to serve his “friend” Trump and that he will be nominated for as an ambassador to Iceland.

“I am thrilled to answer his call to service and deeply committed to advancing his bold agenda,” Long wrote online last Friday. “Exciting times ahead!”