Key Takeaways:

• Army Secretary Dan Driscoll replaces Kash Patel as acting director of the ATF.
• The leadership change was confirmed by the Justice Department but not formally announced.
• Patel's dual role as FBI director and acting ATF chief raised concerns about management.
• Driscoll will continue serving as Army Secretary while overseeing the ATF.
• The ATF's responsibilities include investigating gun crimes and firearm regulation.

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has been appointed as the acting director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), replacing Kash Patel, who was serving as FBI Director and acting ATF chief simultaneously. This unexpected shake-up was reported on April 9, 2025, and although it was confirmed by the CBS News, the circumstances surrounding Patel's removal remain ambiguous.

Patel was appointed as acting ATF director just days after starting as the FBI chief on February 24. However, sources indicate that he was effectively ousted in late February, with his name remaining on the agency's website until recently, which raised eyebrows among staff at the ATF who were reportedly "shocked and confused" by the sudden change in leadership. As reported by Reuters, Patel's departure was confirmed by a Justice Department official, stating it was not due to job performance but described as a standard interim arrangement until Senate confirmations could take place.

Driscoll, now responsible for overseeing the ATF while retaining his position as Army Secretary, is tasked with leading an agency that plays a crucial role in enforcing U.S. gun laws and investigating gun-related crimes. This dual role is unusual, as it blurs the lines between military operations and domestic law enforcement. The ATF's complex duties include investigation of violent crime and regulation of firearms, often requiring close cooperation with other agencies, including the FBI. According to The Hill, during his brief time at the ATF, Patel was noted to be largely absent from agency matters, visiting headquarters just once since his appointment.

The abrupt leadership restructuring occurs amid discussions within the Trump administration regarding a potential merger of the ATF and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) aimed at increasing operational efficiency. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced a new Second Amendment Task Force that will involve the ATF and is aimed at upholding gun rights while paralleling the administration's objectives regarding firearm policies. The National Rifle Association (NRA) praised this appointment, aligning with the administration's shift towards less stringent gun regulations. Bondi emphasized that the new task force will advocate for lawful gun ownership in contrast to previous stringent policies.

For further details, visit the original reports on Newsweek, Times of India, and The Hill.