President Donald Trump has named newly confirmed FBI Director Kash Patel as the acting head of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The move consolidates Patel’s leadership over two major law enforcement agencies during a period of transition.
President Donald Trump has appointed Kash Patel, the newly confirmed FBI Director, as the acting head of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), a source familiar with the matter told Reuters.
Patel, a strong Trump ally, secured his role as FBI Director despite Democratic and moderate Republican opposition. His appointment to oversee the ATF comes at a time of shifting enforcement priorities within the administration.
A known advocate for gun rights, Patel has received backing from pro-firearm groups such as Gun Owners of America. His leadership at the ATF is expected to prioritise deregulation, aligning with Trump’s criticism of the agency for its handling of gun licenses.
The appointment follows a major shakeup at the ATF. Attorney General Pam Bondi recently fired the agency’s Chief Counsel, Pamela Hicks, citing claims that the office was unfairly targeting gun owners. Bondi has redirected the ATF’s focus towards immigration enforcement, a move that has drawn controversy.
Trump’s administration has increasingly consolidated leadership positions. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also serves as Acting Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which Trump aims to dissolve. Similarly, Russ Vought, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, is Acting Head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, another agency targeted for elimination.
The dual roles signal a broader strategy to reshape federal agencies under Trump’s second term, potentially redefining their missions to align with his administration’s priorities.
China’s defence ministry dismissed Australia’s complaints over Chinese naval drills between Australia and New Zealand, calling them "hyped up" and "inconsistent with the facts."
The Trump administration has ordered U.S. federal employees to submit a list of their work accomplishments by Monday night or risk losing their jobs, raising legal and procedural questions over mass firings.
Israel has delayed the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners until Hamas meets its conditions, highlighting tensions over the fragile Gaza ceasefire.
French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will travel to Washington next week amid European concerns over Donald Trump’s approach to Ukraine and his outreach to Moscow.
Donald Trump and Justin Trudeau discussed the Ukraine war and efforts to combat the illegal fentanyl trade in a call on Saturday, ahead of a planned leaders' discussion on the conflict.
Intense snowfall persists along the Sea of Japan coast, with warnings in effect for traffic disruptions and snow-related accidents through Monday, February 24.
Anthony Ricco, one of Sean "Diddy" Combs' defense attorneys, has filed to step down from the legal team ahead of his upcoming human trafficking trial, citing an inability to continue effectively representing the hip-hop mogul.
Scientists have successfully observed plastic Ice VII, an exotic form of water previously predicted by theoretical models, shedding new light on how water behaves under extreme conditions, both on Earth and potentially on alien worlds.
A recent discovery has revealed that ancient artifacts from the Treasure of Villena were crafted using metal from meteorites, offering new insights into early metalworking techniques in the Iberian Peninsula.
A Delta Air Lines regional jet flipped upside down upon landing at Toronto Pearson Airport on Monday, injuring 18 people. Officials are investigating whether strong winds and snow played a role in the incident.
Berlin, February 21, 2025 – German citizens will head to the polls on Sunday, February 23, for a snap general election after the coalition government collapsed late last year.
A dialogue between US and Russian delegations has begun in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the development in an official statement.
Intense snowfall persists along the Sea of Japan coast, with warnings in effect for traffic disruptions and snow-related accidents through Monday, February 24.
President Donald Trump stated on Saturday that the U.S. is "pretty close" to an agreement with Ukraine regarding revenue from Ukrainian minerals as part of efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Thousands of protesters clashed with police outside an EU mission building in Sofia on Saturday, opposing Bulgaria's planned adoption of the euro in 2024.
China’s defence ministry dismissed Australia’s complaints over Chinese naval drills between Australia and New Zealand, calling them "hyped up" and "inconsistent with the facts."
Intense snowfall persists along the Sea of Japan coast, with warnings in effect for traffic disruptions and snow-related accidents through Monday, February 24.
Anthony Ricco, one of Sean "Diddy" Combs' defense attorneys, has filed to step down from the legal team ahead of his upcoming human trafficking trial, citing an inability to continue effectively representing the hip-hop mogul.
Scientists have successfully observed plastic Ice VII, an exotic form of water previously predicted by theoretical models, shedding new light on how water behaves under extreme conditions, both on Earth and potentially on alien worlds.
A recent discovery has revealed that ancient artifacts from the Treasure of Villena were crafted using metal from meteorites, offering new insights into early metalworking techniques in the Iberian Peninsula.
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