The Trump administration has removed FBI chief Kash Patel from his role as acting director of alcohol, tobacco, firearms and explosives. Patel, who was sworn in as an ATF leader on February 24, was replaced by Army Secretary Daniel Driskl, three days after handling the Federal Investigation Bureau, confirmed by US officials.
It was not clear why Patel was removed from the agency of the Department of Justice responsible for implementing US gun laws, but the officials confirmed that the move had nothing to do with his job performance.
When Patel was selected for the role, the move was investigated as it was unusual for a person to tap to lead the major justice department units at the same time. An Associated Press Report said that he was hit by an ax from the situation in late February, a few days later he was sworn in.
But the move was not publicly declared, and Patel’s name remained on the agency’s website till Wednesday afternoon. He was also referred to as the acting director in the 7 April press release.
White House spokesman Harrison Fields said Patel was “confirmed the Senate – a standard, short -term steps waiting to the ATF director.”
“Director Patel is now excellent in his role in FBI and is giving outstanding results,” said the Fields.
New ATF chief
This was only on Wednesday, when ATF leaders were reportedly informed that US Army Secretary Daniel Driskl was now working as ATF Director. It keeps a defense leader already with a large job, with the charge of a domestic law enforcement agency.
US defense officials have historically tried to maintain a strict division between military forces and law enforcement, banning soldiers from participating in law enforcement activities on US earth. However, they provide assistance and intelligence information to customs and border security to help secure the southern border.
Sources familiar with the decision told the Reuters that the drisl would continue both roles.
38 -year -old drisk from Northern Carolina served as an advisor to Vice President JD Vance, who met when both were attending Yale Law School. He served the army for less than four years and moved to the post of First Lieutenant.
As the Secretary of the Army, he is the head of the largest service of the US Army, including around 452,000 soldiers, which include thousands of people who are stationed worldwide. He oversees billions of dollars of major weapons, aircraft and equipment programs and is responsible for the military budget of over $ 187 billion.
Cost reduction measures
The second term of US President Donald Trump includes several whipsaw policy reversals including firing and redistribution of a large number of federal workers. Reuters said that the officials of the Senior Justice Department are currently merging ATF with US drug enforcement administration as part of cost cut attempt.
Gun control focus
Attorney General Palm Bandy, who has protected gun rights, has introduced a task force to focus on implementing the second amendment of the US Constitution, which protects the right to tolerate weapons according to a memorandum viewed by Reuters.
He said that the ATF will work on the task force along with representatives of other parts of the Department of Justice including Civil Rights Division. Trump had earlier ordered the department to review the rules of the firearms implemented during the administration of Democratic President Joe Biden.
Earlier this week, the ATF formally revoked its so -called “zero tolerance policy”, which called for the cancellation of the license of gun dealers who committed serious violations, such as failing to investigate the background.
It is not clear how the leadership change in the ATF could affect the way the firearm could control the industry, or the driskol was tapped to lead it.
(With input from agencies)
