Kash Patel Removed as Acting ATF Director; Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll Steps In

In a significant leadership change, Kash Patel has been removed from his position as acting director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll has been appointed to serve as the new acting director.

Leadership Transition at ATF

• Outgoing Director: Kash Patel, who also serves as the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), was appointed as acting ATF director in February 2025. His dual role was unconventional and raised concerns about leadership stability within the ATF

• Incoming Director: Daniel Driscoll, the current U.S. Army Secretary, will assume the role of acting ATF director while retaining his position in the Army. Driscoll’s appointment aims to bring stability and experienced leadership to the agency. ​

Context of the Change

The Justice Department stated that Patel’s removal was not related to his job performance but did not provide specific reasons for the decision. During his brief tenure, Patel endorsed significant policy shifts, including the repeal of the “zero tolerance” policy for gun dealer violations—a move that garnered mixed reactions from various stakeholders. ​

Reactions from Stakeholders

• Firearms Industry: The National Shooting Sports Foundation expressed support for Driscoll’s leadership, praising his commitment to reform the Second Amendment rights. ​

• Gun-Control Advocates: Some advocacy groups have expressed concern over recent policy changes and the potential implications for gun regulation enforcement. ​

Looking Ahead

As Daniel Driscoll steps into the role of acting ATF director, the agency faces challenges related to firearm regulation. Driscoll’s dual responsibilities as Army Secretary and ATF director will be closely monitored by both government officials and the public.​

This leadership change marks a pivotal moment for the ATF, with potential implications for firearm policies and enforcement strategies nationwide. If you wish to read more content like this, here’s our latest news on tariffs between China and the U.S.

More…

• https://www.thedailybeast.com/kash-patel-reportedly-removed-as-acting-atf-director-after-ghosting-gig/
• https://www.reuters.com/world/us/kash-patel-removed-acting-atf-director-replaced-by-army-secretary-sources-say-2025-04-09/
• https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/04/10/atf-deputy-forced-out-kash-patel/83024988007/