FBI Director Kash Patel Replaced as Acting Head, Army Secretary Appointed to Lead ATF
In a surprising development, U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll has stepped in as the interim leader of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), according to confirmations from three senior U.S. officials reported by USA TODAY.
Driscoll will temporarily lead the ATF while continuing his role as Army Secretary, a rare dual position that underscores the urgency behind this leadership shift.
A spokesperson for the Justice Department confirmed Driscoll’s appointment, replacing Kash Patel, but declined to provide specific reasons for the change.
The move comes as the Justice Department reportedly considers consolidating the ATF with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in a cost-saving initiative.
Kash Patel, a known ally of former President Donald Trump, had only recently taken the helm of the ATF after being sworn in as FBI Director in late February.
Despite the change, as of Wednesday afternoon, Patel’s name and photo still appeared on the ATF’s official website, highlighting the rapid and somewhat opaque nature of the transition.
Driscoll, the 26th Secretary of the Army, was sworn in on February 25 following a Senate confirmation.
A former cavalry commander with the 10th Mountain Division and a Yale Law School graduate, Driscoll’s professional background includes military service, legal advocacy, and leadership roles in the private sector. However, he does not appear to have any prior experience in federal law enforcement.
Meanwhile, Patel’s short time as FBI Director appears to have had a major impact on recruitment.
According to Fox News Digital, the FBI received a record 5,577 new applications for agent positions in March—more than any other month since April 2016.
FBI spokesperson Ben Williamson credited Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino for revitalizing interest in federal law enforcement careers and helping to restore public trust.
“The record number of FBI job applications in March shows that people are inspired by Kash Patel’s commitment to restoring integrity and effectiveness at the bureau,” said Erica Knight, a senior advisor to Patel.
During his Senate hearing in January, Patel addressed the FBI’s declining reputation, citing surveys showing that fewer than half of Americans had a favorable view of the agency. He pledged to rebuild trust, improve morale, and “let good cops be cops.”
In line with that vision, a new FBI recruitment video launched under Patel’s leadership highlighted the agency’s mission, including scenes from the field and elite units such as the Hostage Rescue Team. The video closed with the message: “A renewed mission. A stronger future.”
