ATF Shakeup: New Interim Leader After Key Departure

In a significant overnight leadership change, FBI Director Kash Patel has been quietly removed as acting head of the ATF, with Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll taking his place, raising questions about potential agency restructuring.

Quick Takes

Kash Patel has been removed as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Acting Director.
US Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll will serve as the new Acting Director while maintaining his Army leadership role.
The change was confirmed by Justice Department officials, but details about Patel’s departure remain limited.
The leadership shift comes amid discussions about potentially merging the ATF with the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Patel had only been sworn in as the ATF’s acting director in February 2025, shortly after becoming the FBI Director.

Sudden Leadership Change at Federal Firearms Agency

The Justice Department confirmed Wednesday that Kash Patel, who serves as FBI Director, has been removed from his additional role as acting director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. US Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll has been appointed to take over leadership of the ATF while continuing his current duties as Army Secretary. The abrupt change came with minimal public explanation, despite Patel having held the position for less than two months after being sworn in during late February of this year.

The change appeared to catch some by surprise, as Patel’s photo and title remained on the ATF’s official website as of Wednesday afternoon, hours after sources confirmed his removal. Multiple officials with knowledge of the situation confirmed the leadership change to several news outlets, though specific details regarding the timing and reasoning behind Patel’s departure remain limited.

🚨 2A BREAKING NEWS 🚨

KASH PATEL OUT AT ATF pic.twitter.com/HNQzWgFQrj

— American Firearms Association (@2A_Freedom) April 9, 2025

Dual Leadership Role for Army Secretary

In an unusual administrative arrangement, Driscoll will maintain his responsibilities as Army Secretary while simultaneously leading the ATF. This dual-role approach has raised questions about the future direction of both organizations and the government’s priorities regarding law enforcement leadership.

Potential Agency Restructuring on the Horizon

This leadership change comes at a particularly significant moment as senior Justice Department officials are reportedly considering a major structural reorganization. According to multiple sources, discussions are underway about potentially merging the ATF with the US Drug Enforcement Administration in what would be characterized as a cost-saving measure. The timing of Patel’s removal and Driscoll’s appointment has fueled speculation about connections to these broader organizational changes.

Patel, who continues in his role as FBI Director, had maintained the unusual dual leadership position for just over a month. The Justice Department has indicated that additional information regarding the leadership change will be forthcoming, though no specific timeline has been provided. As of Wednesday evening, neither Patel nor Driscoll had issued public statements regarding the transition.