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Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll Replaces Kash Patel as Acting ATF Director

Driscoll, who will continue as Army Secretary, assumes leadership of the ATF following Patel's removal and ongoing discussions of federal law enforcement restructuring.

Kash Patel's removal 'shocks and confuses' ATF workers: Why did FBI chief stop showing up to office? (REUTERS/Leah Millis/File Photo)
Who is Daniel Driscoll, Army Secy who replaced Kash Patel as acting ATF chief? (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
FBI Director Kash Patel, joined at right by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, answers questions as the Senate Intelligence Committee holds its worldwide threats hearing, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, March 25, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
FBI Director Kash Patel looks on during a press conference on illicit narcotics, at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on April 9, 2025.

Overview

  • Kash Patel, FBI Director and former acting ATF Director, was removed after reportedly being absent from ATF facilities for weeks.
  • Daniel Driscoll, U.S. Army Secretary, has been appointed as acting ATF Director while retaining his role in the Army, marking another dual-role leadership arrangement.
  • The leadership change coincides with the Trump administration's review of ATF policies and consideration of merging the ATF with the DEA to improve efficiency.
  • Driscoll's appointment follows criticism of Patel's dual-role arrangement and concerns about accountability in managing two major federal agencies.
  • The ATF recently repealed a Biden-era gun control policy, with further reviews of firearms regulations underway under Attorney General Pam Bondi's directive.