Kash Patel, the current FBI director, is reportedly set to take over as the acting director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), according to sources cited by FOX News. The Associated Press later confirmed this information, attributing it to an anonymous Justice Department official. The announcement of Patel’s new role is expected to be made public soon.
This transition comes at a time when the ATF has faced significant scrutiny for its regulatory actions regarding gun control under President Biden’s administration. The agency has implemented several controversial measures, including regulations targeting "ghost guns," expanded background check requirements, and a ban on stabilizer braces for AR-pistols. These actions have sparked backlash from gun owners and Republican lawmakers, with some, like Rep. Eric Burlison from Missouri, calling for the abolition of the ATF altogether. Burlison has been vocal about his stance, recently highlighting his bill aimed at dismantling the agency.
Patel’s appointment follows the resignation of Steven Dettelbach, the previous ATF director, who stepped down on January 18, 2025, just days before Donald Trump is set to be inaugurated. Dettelbach’s tenure was marked by the implementation of the aforementioned gun control measures, which have been contentious among various stakeholders.
As Patel prepares to assume leadership of the ATF, it remains to be seen how his appointment will influence the agency’s direction and its relationship with Congress and the public, particularly in light of ongoing debates surrounding gun rights and regulation in the United States.