Kash Patel, recently confirmed as FBI director, has been selected to serve as acting director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), according to sources.
Patel was sworn in as the ninth FBI director on Friday following a tight Senate vote. His appointment to lead ATF comes amid significant shake-ups in federal law enforcement under the Trump administration.
Former FBI Director Christopher Wray resigned at the end of Biden’s term, and on Thursday, Attorney General Pam Bondi dismissed ATF’s chief counsel, Pamela Hicks.
Hicks, who had served in the role since 2021 under Biden, confirmed her termination in a LinkedIn post. “Earlier today, I was served official notice from the Attorney General of the United States that I was being removed from my position as the Chief Counsel of ATF and my employment with the Department of Justice terminated,” she wrote.
Hicks had been with the DOJ for 23 years, including as deputy chief counsel for ATF during Trump’s first administration. She described her tenure as an “honor” and expressed gratitude to colleagues.
Attorney General Bondi made it clear that changes at the ATF were necessary. “These people were targeting gun owners,” Bondi told Fox News. “Not gonna happen under this administration.”
Patel’s leadership at both the FBI and ATF signals a major shift in federal law enforcement policy. His appointment aligns with Trump’s broader commitment to eliminating what he has called “weaponized government agencies.”
During his confirmation hearings, Patel pledged to bring transparency and accountability to the FBI. Now, with his expanded role at ATF, conservatives expect him to address concerns over regulatory overreach in firearm policies.
Trump’s administration has prioritized defending the Second Amendment, rolling back what it sees as unconstitutional gun restrictions imposed under Biden. The removal of Hicks is viewed as part of this larger effort.
Patel’s history in national security and law enforcement has made him a trusted figure within Trump’s administration. Before leading the FBI, he served in key roles at the Pentagon and the National Security Council.
Critics of the administration have voiced concerns about Patel’s dual role at the FBI and ATF, questioning whether it consolidates too much power under a single figure. However, supporters argue that this move ensures alignment between federal agencies and Trump’s law enforcement priorities.
In recent years, the ATF has been at the center of controversy over gun regulations, including restrictions on pistol braces and so-called “ghost guns.” Under Biden, the agency ramped up enforcement actions that many conservatives viewed as federal overreach.
The Trump administration has already taken steps to reverse these measures, and Patel’s appointment is expected to accelerate the process. His leadership could significantly reshape ATF’s policies and enforcement strategies, per Fox News.
The announcement comes just as Trump is preparing further executive actions aimed at securing gun rights. Patel’s dual leadership of the FBI and ATF signals that these agencies will take a much different approach than they did under Biden.
With major changes underway, the ATF’s future under Patel will be closely watched as the administration moves to roll back restrictions and refocus the agency’s mission.
