President Donald Trump’s newly-appointed FBI director, Kash Patel, is expected to also take on the role of heading the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Patel’s appointment is expected to be made official with a swearing-in ceremony as early as next week. The ATF is responsible for enforcing federal laws related to firearms, explosives, alcohol, and tobacco. Republican lawmakers have criticized the agency for potentially infringing on Second Amendment rights, particularly under the Biden administration’s efforts to regulate the sale of “ghost guns” and close firearm purchase loopholes. Trump signed an executive order in response to perceived ATF overreach, halting policies restricting gun ownership.
Some Republicans, including Rep. Lauren Bobert and Rep. Eric Burlison, have introduced legislation to abolish the ATF entirely, claiming it targets law-abiding firearm owners. Under the Biden administration, the ATF’s director, Steven Dettelback, was the first permanent leader since 2015. Attorney General Pam Bondi recently fired the agency’s chief counsel, Pamela Hicks, accusing her of weaponizing the ATF against gun owners. Bondi stated that such targeting would not occur under the current administration.
Kash Patel, a Trump loyalist, was narrowly confirmed by the Senate to lead the FBI, with two Republican senators opposing his nomination. Patel is known for his affinity for Trump and is expected to bring a similar approach to his role at the ATF.
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