In brief
In a significant move, Frank Bisignano was appointed as the CEO of the IRS on Monday, continuing to serve as Commissioner of the Social Security Administration simultaneously. The appointment indicates a trend of multi-agency leadership under the Trump administration, with Bisignano expected to oversee daily operations at the IRS while also maintaining his role at SSA. Acting Commissioner Scott Bessent noted that the agencies share many common goals, making Bisignano a suitable choice. This change reflects ongoing leadership instability within the IRS, having seen multiple commissioners over the past few years.
In a new and notable development, Frank Bisignano has been appointed as the CEO of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), while concurrently serving as Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA). This dual role reflects a pattern of leadership changes within federal agencies under the Trump administration.
Announced on Monday, the appointment positions Bisignano under Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who currently holds the role of acting commissioner for the IRS. The exact requirements for Senate confirmation regarding his new role have yet to be clarified.
In a statement, the Treasury Department highlighted that Bisignano's responsibilities will include the oversight of daily IRS operations, making use of his extensive background, including his experience as chair of Fiserv, a financial services technology firm. Bessent commented on the strategic alignment between the IRS and SSA, citing shared technological and customer service objectives, which make Bisignano a fitting appointment for the IRS.
This adjustment to the agency's leadership follows a series of changes since the beginning of Trump's tenure, marked by the rapid succession of acting commissioners. Notably, Bessent was appointed in August after the prior commissioner, Billy Long, was removed merely two months following his confirmation.
Bisignano's appointment underscores the present complexity and turbulence within the IRS leadership structure, which has seen several acting commissioners recently, including one who resigned amid controversy over data-sharing agreements with the Department of Homeland Security.
Furthermore, Bisignano joins a list of Trump administration officials managing multiple federal responsibilities, including Bessent himself, showcasing the continued trend of consolidated leadership roles within the administration.
Aside from his new responsibilities, Bisignano is recognized for his advocacy of corporate policies aimed at safeguarding LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination.
