Kash Patel’s quiet exit from the ATF has unleashed a storm of questions as Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll steps in to lead the agency—while rumors of a major federal merger swirl.
At a Glance
- Kash Patel abruptly removed as ATF Acting Director
- Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll takes over, holding both roles
- ATF’s website still listed Patel as director after his removal
- Justice Department mulls merging ATF with DEA
- Patel’s short tenure ends without official explanation
Driscoll Replaces Patel in Surprise Move
In a stealthy Wednesday shuffle, Kash Patel was yanked from his post as acting director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and replaced by U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll—an eyebrow-raising power move confirmed by Justice Department insiders. Despite Patel’s name still being listed on the agency’s website that afternoon, sources revealed to multiple outlets that the transition was already underway.
Watch Reuters’ full report on Patel’s ouster and Driscoll’s appointment.
Driscoll is now pulling double duty, continuing to lead the Army while stepping in to head the ATF—a law enforcement arm of the Justice Department. The move has sparked immediate speculation about what prompted the sudden shake-up, with officials staying tight-lipped. The appointment comes as chatter grows around a major structural overhaul involving the ATF and its future within federal law enforcement.
Inside the Justice Department’s Shake-Up
Driscoll’s appointment isn’t just symbolic—it comes with major logistical challenges. Leading two powerful federal bodies at once has left insiders questioning how Driscoll will divide his attention and authority. “Driscoll will continue to serve as Army Secretary while he also oversees the ATF,” several sources told Reuters, highlighting the unusual nature of this consolidation of power.
Meanwhile, Patel, who previously served as FBI Director, was quietly sworn in just weeks ago as Acting ATF Chief, marking a short and now highly scrutinized tenure. His leadership included controversial rollbacks of Biden-era gun enforcement policies, including a “zero tolerance” policy targeting firearms dealers.
ATF Merger Rumors Explode
Adding more intrigue to the drama, multiple sources have confirmed the Justice Department is actively considering merging the ATF with the Drug Enforcement Administration. A leaked memo obtained by Reuters suggests senior officials see the consolidation as a cost-cutting measure—but critics fear it could upend years of agency-specific expertise in gun and explosive regulation.
The proposal, which circulated internally in late March, requested department feedback by early April. Although no formal decision has been announced, insiders say the conversation is serious and ongoing, with significant implications for how federal gun crimes are pursued and prosecuted moving forward.
What’s Next for ATF?
What happens now under Driscoll’s watch remains a mystery. With Patel’s abrupt departure and whispers of an agency merger in the air, the ATF could be on the brink of a dramatic identity overhaul. While no official comment has clarified the reasoning behind Patel’s removal, many are watching closely to see whether Driscoll will bring a military-style shake-up to one of the nation’s most scrutinized law enforcement agencies.
For now, Patel’s brief reign is over, and the ATF’s future is anything but certain. Stay tuned.
