Summary

Kash Patel has been removed as acting ATF director after reportedly not appearing at ATF facilities for weeks, while maintaining his FBI Director role.

Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll will now serve in both his current position and as ATF acting director.

ATF staff were “shocked and confused” by the sudden change, which officials tried to claim was due to Patel’s full workload at the FBI rather than performance issues.

The leadership shuffle comes as DOJ officials consider merging the ATF with the DEA to reduce costs.