In a quiet administrative shake-up, Kash Patel has been removed from his brief role as acting director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), just days after his appointment. The change, confirmed by U.S. officials, reportedly had nothing to do with Patel’s job performance.
Patel assumed leadership of the ATF on February 24, just three days after being named head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. His simultaneous leadership of two major Justice Department agencies drew scrutiny due to the highly unusual nature of the dual appointments.
Although sources indicate he was removed by the end of February, the development was never officially announced. Patel’s name remained on the ATF’s website until Wednesday and he was even referred to as acting director in an April 7 press release.
White House spokesperson Harrison Fields explained, “Director Patel was briefly designated ATF Director while awaiting Senate confirmations – a standard, short-term move.” Fields added, “Director Patel is now excelling in his role at the FBI and delivering outstanding results.”
It was only this week that senior ATF officials were informed that Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll is now serving as the acting ATF director. The appointment places a defense leader—already overseeing the U.S. Army—in charge of a domestic law enforcement agency.
Historically, U.S. defense leaders have maintained a clear division between military operations and domestic law enforcement. Although troops are restricted from engaging in policing within the U.S., they do assist agencies like Customs and Border Protection with surveillance and intelligence gathering at the southern border.
According to Reuters, Driscoll will retain both positions for the time being. At 38, the North Carolina native previously served as an adviser to Vice President JD Vance, a connection that began during their time together at Yale Law School. Driscoll’s military service lasted under four years, and he left the Army with the rank of first lieutenant.
As Army Secretary, Driscoll oversees approximately 452,000 soldiers worldwide, manages major weapons and equipment programs, and is responsible for a $187 billion defense budget. His additional role at the ATF now adds a significant new layer of responsibility.
