Trump picks avid poker player and auctioneer to head IRS

President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday selected former Rep. Billy Long (R-MO), an auctioneer and ardent poker player, to be the country’s next IRS commissioner.

The pick was announced Wednesday on Trump’s Truth Social platform as he continues the rollout of his second-term administration picks. Earlier in the day, he selected billionaire private astronaut Jared Isaacman for NASA chief and later announced Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R-GA) as his choice to lead the Small Business Administration.

“Billy brings 32 years of experience running his own businesses in Real Estate and, as one of the premier Auctioneers in the Country,” Trump wrote. “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!’

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Since leaving Congress, Long has participated in numerous poker championships, including the World Poker Tour, and other professionally sanctioned games such as the Southern Poker Championship. He also lost the 2022 Republican Senate primary after the seat became vacant when Sen. Roy Blunt announced he would not seek reelection.

According to Trump, Long went on to work as a business and tax advisor "helping Small Businesses navigate the complexities of complying with the IRS Rules and Regulations."

“I have known Billy since 2011 - He is an extremely hard worker, and respected by all, especially by those who know him in Congress,” the president-elect said. “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.”

He added: “Congratulations Billy!”