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.
U.S. President Donald Trump hopes for the signing of a long-awaited peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, which could mark a new era of stability in the South Caucasus, a senior U.S. official said.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated on Friday that the sweeping new tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump do not breach the alliance’s treaties, including the provision encouraging economic collaboration among member nations.
Moldova is interested in importing natural gas from Azerbaijan to diversify its energy sources and enhance national energy security, the country’s energy minister said in Baku.
Türkiye is committed to advancing the Southern Gas Corridor and supporting regional cooperation on green energy, Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said.
China has hit back at Washington with a new wave of tariffs and export restrictions, escalating trade tensions as it targets key U.S. imports and rare-earth materials critical to advanced industries.
The United States has expressed its willingness to form a partnership with Greenland in the event of its independence from Denmark, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasising the need to prevent Chinese influence in the region.
Millions in Myanmar are still reeling from the aftermath of one of the strongest earthquakes in a century, as aid agencies navigate complex challenges to reach those in urgent need of assistance.
Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan have partnered with regional banks to launch a clean energy project connecting Central Asia to Europe via the Caspian Sea.
The first Central Asia-EU Summit has strengthened regional ties, focusing on cooperation in counter-terrorism, trade, energy, and climate change. Leaders committed to supporting stability and development, with significant investments planned for infrastructure and sustainability.
Aid groups in Myanmar’s worst-hit areas urgently need shelter, food, and water after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed over 2,700 people. Rescue efforts face challenges due to ongoing civil war, damaged infrastructure, and restricted aid access, with the toll expected to rise.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
The inaugural Samarkand International Climate Forum will kick off on 4th April at the Silk Road Samarkand Congress Center in Uzbekistan. The high-profile forum will be held under the theme "Central Asia Facing Global Climate Challenges: Consolidation for Shared Prosperity."
The Armenian armed forces attempted three reconnaissance drone flights over Azerbaijan Army positions near Gerenzur, but all were successfully intercepted. Meanwhile, Armenian units repeatedly fired on Azerbaijani positions from multiple regions, escalating tensions in the area.
The United States has expressed its willingness to form a partnership with Greenland in the event of its independence from Denmark, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasising the need to prevent Chinese influence in the region.
Millions in Myanmar are still reeling from the aftermath of one of the strongest earthquakes in a century, as aid agencies navigate complex challenges to reach those in urgent need of assistance.
Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan have partnered with regional banks to launch a clean energy project connecting Central Asia to Europe via the Caspian Sea.
The first Central Asia-EU Summit has strengthened regional ties, focusing on cooperation in counter-terrorism, trade, energy, and climate change. Leaders committed to supporting stability and development, with significant investments planned for infrastructure and sustainability.
The United States has expressed its willingness to form a partnership with Greenland in the event of its independence from Denmark, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasising the need to prevent Chinese influence in the region.
Millions in Myanmar are still reeling from the aftermath of one of the strongest earthquakes in a century, as aid agencies navigate complex challenges to reach those in urgent need of assistance.
Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan have partnered with regional banks to launch a clean energy project connecting Central Asia to Europe via the Caspian Sea.
The first Central Asia-EU Summit has strengthened regional ties, focusing on cooperation in counter-terrorism, trade, energy, and climate change. Leaders committed to supporting stability and development, with significant investments planned for infrastructure and sustainability.
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