U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll has become interim head of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) while continuing his Army role, replacing Kash Patel.
The Justice Department confirmed the change but didn’t explain why. Patel, a Trump ally, had just taken over the ATF after being appointed FBI director.
The leadership switch comes as officials consider merging the ATF with the DEA to cut costs. Driscoll, a former Army commander and Yale Law School graduate, lacks federal law enforcement experience.
Meanwhile, under Patel, the FBI saw a surge in job applications, with over 10,000 received since January. Supporters credit Patel’s focus on restoring trust in law enforcement. Recruitment efforts include new videos emphasizing integrity and a renewed mission for the FBI.
