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Kash Patel, recently confirmed as FBI director, is expected to take on another high-profile law enforcement role as head of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), according to a White House official and two sources familiar with the plan.
The appointment, which could be formalized as early as this week, would place Patel in charge of two of the country’s most powerful federal law enforcement agencies—a move that underscores President Donald Trump’s efforts to reshape federal policing.
Trump’s Push to Overhaul Firearms Enforcement
The ATF, part of the Department of Justice (DOJ), is responsible for enforcing federal firearms laws, as well as regulating the sale of alcohol and tobacco. However, the agency has long been criticized by conservative lawmakerswho view its policies as restrictive to Second Amendment rights.
Trump recently signed an executive order reversing gun control measures, including restrictions on ghost guns and enhanced background checks introduced under former President Joe Biden. A White House statement accused the ATF of targeting gun owners unfairly, vowing to end policies that restrict firearm access for law-abiding citizens.
“The Biden Administration flagrantly sought to eliminate Second Amendment rights. The ATF was weaponized to target small business owners and limit Americans’ ability to acquire firearms,” the White House release stated.
Calls to Abolish the ATF Gain Momentum
Patel’s expected appointment comes as several Republican lawmakers push to eliminate the ATF entirely.
In January, Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) and Rep. Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) introduced legislation to abolish the ATF, arguing that the agency has overstepped its regulatory authority.
“I cannot imagine under any circumstance or administration where the ATF serves as an ally to the Second Amendment and law-abiding firearm owners across America,” Boebert said.
Under Biden, the agency was led by Steven Dettelbach, the first confirmed ATF director since 2015. Previous administrations struggled to get nominees approved by the Senate due to partisan battles over firearm policy.
Attorney General Bondi Fires ATF Chief Counsel Amid Shake-Up
Attorney General Pam Bondi has already begun a leadership overhaul at the DOJ, including the removal of ATF Chief Counsel Pamela Hicks last week.
Hicks, who served three years in the position, was dismissed without warning, later confirming her firing in a LinkedIn post.
In an interview with Fox News, Bondi accused Hicks and other DOJ officials of using the ATF to target gun owners.
“These people were targeting gun owners. Not gonna happen under this administration,” Bondi said.
Patel’s Controversial Nomination and Dual Role Concerns
Patel, a staunch Trump ally, was narrowly confirmed by the Senate on Thursday as FBI director, with Republican Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) siding with Democrats in opposition.
His expected appointment to lead the ATF would be unprecedented, as no individual has simultaneously overseen both the FBI and ATF. Legal experts have raised concerns about conflicts of interest and the consolidation of power within federal law enforcement.
With Trump’s aggressive push to restructure the ATF, Patel’s leadership could mark a dramatic shift in federal firearms regulation, potentially aligning the agency’s policies with conservative Second Amendment priorities.
What’s Next?
If Patel is officially appointed, he would be tasked with overhauling ATF enforcement priorities while continuing his role at the FBI. The Senate may weigh in on the legality of his dual leadership, but with a Republican majority, approval appears likely.
The move signals that Trump’s administration is serious about dismantling past firearm regulations, potentially setting up a major legal battle with gun control advocates and Democratic lawmakers in the months ahead.
