Updated Apr 9, 2025 - Politics & Policy

Kash Patel replaced as acting ATF director by Army Secretary Dan Driscoll

Rebecca Falconer

Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel looks on during an annual worldwide threats assessment hearing at the Longworth House Office Building on March 26, 2025 in Washington, DC. — FBI director Kash Patel in Washington, D.C., in March. Photo: Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images

FBI chief Kash Patel has been replaced as acting director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives by Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, the ATF confirmed on Wednesday night.

The big picture: The Trump administration did not immediately give a reason for the unusual move to place a civilian military leader in charge of a federal law enforcement agency. Driscoll will continue to serve as Army secretary, per multiple reports.

Zoom in: "ATF can confirm the change in leadership to Acting Director Daniel Driscoll," said a spokesperson for the agency that's responsible for enforcing the U.S. firearms laws via email.

The spokesperson did not immediately return Axios' request for comment in the evening on the reason behind the decision.
A Justice Department official said Patel's removal was not a reflection on his performance in the job, per Reuters, which first reported on the change.

Zoom out: Patel, who was still listed as acting ATF director on the agency's site early Thursday, was sworn in for the role on Feb. 24 — three days after he became the FBI's ninth director.

Representatives for the White House, the Justice Department and the Army did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment in the evening.

Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.

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Kash Patel replaced as acting ATF director by Army Secretary Dan Driscoll

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