Trump Administration Replaces Kash Patel as Interim ATF Chief with Army Secretary Dan Driscoll
Washington, D.C. [US], April 10 (ANI): The Trump administration has removed FBI Director Kash Patel from his additional role as the interim head of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), appointing Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll as his replacement, according to a report by The Washington Post citing sources familiar with the decision.
A U.S. defense official confirmed to The Hill that Driscoll is now serving as the acting director of the ATF while continuing in his role as Army secretary. The official stated that Driscoll was informed of his new responsibilities on Wednesday while on an official trip to Europe, as also reported by Fox News.
Sources close to Patel told Fox News Digital that the transition was expected and that Patel had always intended to focus on his main role as FBI Director. "It was never meant to be a long-term assignment. He was happy to serve, of course, but his job is leading the FBI," the source said.
Patel had been named acting ATF director in late February, shortly after he was sworn in as head of the FBI. The ATF, a domestic law enforcement agency under the Department of Justice, is tasked with preventing and investigating federal crimes related to firearms, explosives, arson, and the trafficking of alcohol and tobacco, including illegal smuggling across the southern border.
Patel’s appointment as FBI Director was narrowly confirmed by the Senate in a 51–49 vote on February 20, amid ongoing debates about his qualifications.
The ATF’s previous director, Steve Dettelbach, resigned in January. He had been the agency’s first permanent leader since 2015.
Driscoll, tapped by Trump to lead the Army in December 2024, was confirmed as Secretary in late February. A veteran of the Iraq War, Driscoll served in the Army for over three years and is a Yale Law School graduate. He reportedly formed a close connection with Vice President J.D. Vance during their time at Yale.
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