In a move that has sent shockwaves through Washington, Kash Patel has been abruptly removed as acting director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) after just a few weeks in the role. President Donald Trump has appointed Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll to take over leadership of the agency—a decision that has Second Amendment supporters cheering and D.C. insiders scrambling to understand the secrecy behind the switch.
ATF Realigned to Support Gun Owners
Kash Patel, who remains in his role as FBI Director, was serving in a temporary capacity at the ATF while awaiting Senate confirmations. His short tenure saw little public conflict, but the Trump team decided to move quickly and decisively, bringing in Driscoll to take full control of an agency long criticized for its overreach.
Daniel Driscoll’s appointment was not publicly announced, and even senior ATF officials were reportedly caught off guard. But Driscoll wasted no time making changes. His first major move? Repealing the Biden administration’s “zero tolerance” policy—a punitive rule that allowed the ATF to strip gun dealers of their licenses over minor paperwork errors.
Gun rights groups immediately applauded the decision. The National Shooting Sports Foundation and USCCA called it a step in the right direction, saying it shows a commitment to restoring fairness and respect for the Second Amendment.
Trump Admin Targets ATF Overreach
Driscoll, who will continue serving as Army Secretary while leading the ATF, is part of a broader Trump administration push to rein in rogue agencies and end the weaponization of government against law-abiding Americans. The administration is also reportedly considering merging the ATF with the DEA to eliminate waste and improve oversight—another major reform that reflects Trump’s campaign promise to drain the swamp.
BREAKING: Kash Patel Replaced As Acting ATF Director
Details …👇
Kash Patel has been removed from his role as acting director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and replaced by U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll. The Justice Department stated… pic.twitter.com/DwzBZY3aVv
— USCCA (@USCCA) April 10, 2025
Attorney General Pam Bondi has created a new task force to enforce the Second Amendment, involving both the Civil Rights Division and the ATF, in what many see as a long-overdue counterstrike against years of anti-gun activism in Washington.
Patel Refocuses on Reforming the FBI
White House spokesman Harrison Fields emphasized that Kash Patel’s move was planned and strategic, saying Patel is now focused on fixing the FBI after years of corruption and political targeting under the Biden DOJ.
“Director Patel is now excelling in his role at the FBI and delivering outstanding results,” Fields said. This suggests Trump sees the FBI as a bigger priority for immediate reform—a wise move considering the agency’s track record of partisan interference.
Still, some in the ATF community are rattled. Former ATF official Peter Forcelli blasted the change, calling it “disrespectful.” But for those who watched the ATF’s crackdown on gun rights under Biden, this isn’t disrespect—it’s justice.
The Trump administration just flipped the script at the ATF. Patel is now laser-focused on cleaning house at the FBI, while Driscoll is charged with restoring the ATF’s respect for the Constitution. And with whispers of a potential ATF-DEA merger, it’s clear: Trump isn’t just reshuffling staff—he’s reshaping the government.
Sources:
Kash Patel was removed as acting ATF director, US officials confirm | Reuters