KASH PATEL OUT AS ATF DIRECTOR, ARMY SECRETARY DRISCOLL TEMPORARILY IN CHARGE
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives has a lot of responsibilities under its umbrella, but it’s clear that the ATF’s main focus involves weapons and reducing violent crime. This is why the temporary installation of the Secretary of the Army to lead the agency is an odd decision. Kash Patel and other officials are out, and at least for now, Dan Driscoll is taking over in controversial fashion.
Dan Driscoll Is Acting ATF Director Following Patel Firing
Big leadership changes are happening at the ATF. On March 10, 2025, it was reported that FBI Director Kash Patel was removed from his temporary role as acting ATF director by President Trump’s administration. He’s being replaced by Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll.
And there’s more!
Marvin Richardson, who had been with the ATF for 35 years, has also stepped down, after serving as the deputy director since 2019 and even leading the agency as acting director from mid-2021 to spring 2022.
According to sources, Richardson resigned after being given a choice: step down or be removed, in what is yet more turnover for the Trump administration.
The temporary appointment of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is a pretty unusual move since it means one person will be overseeing both the Army and the ATF.
Not only do both jobs require a ton of hours and manpower, but the optics of a military leader leading the agency in charge of regulating weapons can be unsettling for some.
Driscoll has deep ties to the Trump administration as a close friend of Vice President JD Vance, business and political ties, and military experience as an Army Veteran.
Why Is an Army Leader Taking Over the ATF?
Sure, the ATF still ensures that tax revenue is going to the government for the sale and production of alcohol and tobacco, but let’s be honest, they have bigger fish to fry these days.
From stopping terrorists to taking guns off the street, the ATF has a focus on weapons, explosives, arson, and more.
Right now, the ATF continues to be criticized by both sides of the political world for its approach to regulating firearms.
At the same time, the Army has a war in Europe, tensions rising in the Middle East, and major concerns involving China in the Pacific.
This doesn’t even take into consideration the hostility being projected to Panama, Canada, Greenland, and the Arctic.
There’s a lot going on in the world, and the ATF is continuing to feel more pressure to increase its focus on weapons. The Army has many pressing threats around the globe. How one man can do both jobs remains to be seen.
Dan Driscoll’s Immediate Concerns Leading the ATF
The ATF has nearly 8,000 employees, including over 2,500 federal agents enforcing gun laws.
These laws often put the ATF in the spotlight, especially with gun rights groups and lawmakers pushing back.
Driscoll is stepping into the ATF director role after FBI Director Kash Patel was removed, though the reason behind it hasn't been made public as of this writing.
The ATF has not found stable leadership for nearly two decades. There have only been two directors confirmed by the Senate in the role’s history, which became official in 2006.
Furthermore, the ATF had a $47 million budget cut, providing ample challenges for anyone who does take on the role.
We Need a New ATF Director
Having Patel already ousted barely more than a month after being sworn into the position is negative for the agency, but it’s also proving to be problematic for the Army.
The U.S. military’s largest branch is now having one of its leaders split responsibilities and manpower between the two as tensions across the globe rise.
With around 1 million Soldiers and a budget just south of $186 billion, focusing on the changes of the Army should take up plenty of Driscoll’s time, not the ATF.
During his confirmation hearing in January, Driscoll spoke on the evolving threats to the military, stating that, “The world is changing rapidly, and we must ensure the Army is prepared to operate in new, complex and contested environments.”
Until a new ATF director can be found on a permanent basis, our Army Secretary seems to be forced to pull double-duty for a formidable challenge that is ahead.
Suggested reads:
JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER