Driscoll Appointed ATF Director Amid Restructuring

FBI Director Kash Patel has been removed from his position as the acting director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and replaced by Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll. Patel assumed the dual roles in February, but his removal from the ATF was not publicly announced, and his name remained on the agency's website until recently. A Justice Department official stated that Patel's removal was not related to his performance, suggesting the role was intended as a temporary measure. Driscoll will continue to serve as Army Secretary while overseeing the ATF, an unusual arrangement that has not been publicly explained. This leadership shift occurs amid discussions within the Justice Department about potentially merging the ATF with the Drug Enforcement Administration to streamline operations and reduce costs. The Trump administration's decision reflects its ongoing efforts to restructure federal agencies and policies, particularly concerning gun rights and enforcement.