President Donald Trump will name newly appointed Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel as the acting director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Reuters reported Monday.
A longtime Trump loyalist, Patel was confirmed as FBI’s new chief on Feb. 20 with a majority vote from the Senate despite Democratic opposition. Just days after, Patel is rumored to be named as the acting head of ATF by Trump.
READ: Kash Patel blasts FBI for ‘endangering his life’ (August 29, 2022)
The ATF, a federal law enforcement agency under the Department of Justice, is responsible for regulating and investigating crimes related to firearms, explosives, arson, alcohol, and tobacco trafficking.
Patel, a staunch advocate for gun rights, was backed by the Gun Owners of America lobby group. He is expected to lead a major overhaul of ATF, redirecting its focus away from firearm regulation.
During Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, Trump criticized the ATF for what he called heavy-handed actions against gun owners, including revoking licenses on frivolous grounds.
The Trump administration has been implementing numerous executive actions, including significant budget cuts, department eliminations, and leadership changes, to reshape the government in line with Trump’s vision, aiming for greater efficiency.
Patel, the first Indian American, to lead the FBI—the nation’s premier investigative agency—and be involved in potentially restructuring some of the laws affecting America’s pressing issues such as gun violence.
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Previously, Patel has openly criticized the FBI, echoing Trump’s claims of political bias within the bureau, particularly in its handling of the Capitol riot investigations. His confirmation as the FBI chief comes amid sweeping changes at the agency, including the forced departures of multiple senior officials and the controversial involvement of an Elon Musk affiliate in key FBI operations.
Patel, a former congressional aide and national security staffer, played a key role in declassifying documents that sought to undercut the FBI’s Russia investigation during Trump’s first term. His appointment follows the resignation of former FBI Director Chris Wray, whom Trump ousted after reclaiming the White House.