In a sudden move, Kash Patel, who recently became the FBI Director, “has been quietly removed” from his role as Acting Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
See the tweet below!
Sources reported that Patel failed to report to ATF facilities, contributing to his removal.
Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll stepped in to replace him.
The Department of Justice confirmed this sudden leadership change.
Despite Patel’s sudden exit, the change wasn’t attributed to his job performance.
Instead, officials suggest his workload at the FBI may have been a factor.
Patel was sworn into the ATF role on February 24, shortly after taking on responsibilities as FBI Director.
Additionally, he was tasked by Attorney General Pam Bondi to review Joe Biden’s ban on pistol braces.
“Kash Patel has been quietly removed as the acting director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) after he stopped showing up to facilities there, according to a report,” NBC News reports.
Driscoll will now serve simultaneously as Army Secretary and Acting Director of the ATF, an unusual dual-role arrangement noted by observers.
This leadership change has left ATF employees “shocked and confused.” Additionally, speculation arises regarding possible agency restructuring.
Talks of merging the ATF with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration echo ongoing discussions about government efficiency and cost-cutting measures.
The decision to appoint Driscoll, described as “unusual” by New York Times reporter Glenn Thrush, was reported to have been made by four individuals familiar with the proceedings.
Driscoll was chosen as Patel’s replacement because he was already Senate-confirmed, ensuring streamlined transition and continuity of operations.
FBI Director Kash Patel was removed as acting ATF director, US officials confirm https://t.co/9hJekoCgJO pic.twitter.com/yN6ymjtBfj
— New York Post (@nypost) April 9, 2025
“The FBI director Kash Patel was quietly removed as the acting director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and replaced by the US army secretary Daniel Driscoll, four people familiar with the matter said on Wednesday,” according to a report by The Guardian.
Meanwhile, activity on the ATF website still lists Patel as Acting Director, illustrating the unresolved nature of this transition.
With the expectation of more details soon, the public awaits further clarity on Patel’s departure and the implications for the ATF’s future.
