FBI Director Patel Out at ATF as Army Secretary Takes Charge
Personnel moves at the Department of Justice (DOJ) continue to raise eyebrows among the federal law enforcement community.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel was removed as interim leader of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). In fact, the Washington Post reports that Patel was removed in February, shortly after his appointment at ATF was announced. However, it’s just becoming public now and the paper says that even senior ATF officials were unaware of the move.
Director Patel, who will remain in his Senate-confirmed position as FBI Director, is replaced at ATF on an acting basis by Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll. Secretary Driscoll will now do double duty as both Army Secretary and interim leader of ATF.
“Director Kash Patel was briefly designated ATF Director while awaiting Senate confirmations — a standard, short-term move,” said White House spokesman Harrison Fields. “Dozens of similar re-designations have occurred across the federal government. Director Patel is now excelling in his role at the FBI and delivering outstanding results.”
The White House did not say why Secretary Driscoll was selected as his replacement. It will be the first time that a Pentagon official oversees the ATF.
ATF’s Future
The personnel moves come as the agency’s future remains in doubt.
The 5,000 strong agency is responsible for regulating the sales and licensing of firearms and helps local law enforcement solve gun crimes. It also investigates illegal sales of explosives, alcoholic beverages, and tobacco products.
But President Trump has not said whether he’ll nominate a permanent ATF director, and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche has proposed merging ATF with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) amid a wider push to cut the size of government.
Multiple Jobs Questioned
The appointment of Secretary Driscoll to lead ATF continues a pattern in the Trump Administration of using officials for multiple jobs.
The president also previously tapped Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins as interim leader of the Office of Special Counsel (OSC).
Critics say it could lead to confusion about responsibilities and could distract appointees from their significant duties.
And Secretary Driscoll faces a long to-do list as Secretary of the Army as he takes on the ATF role. The secretary is currently reviewing overseas troop numbers. The Army is also working to cut eight percent of its budget and reinvest in the Pentagon’s new priorities.