Trump names FBI Chief Kash Patel as acting ATF director

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.

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