Janice R. Andrews
President Trump Plans Dual Leadership Role for FBI Director
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump intends to expand FBI Director Kash Patel’s responsibilities by naming him as acting director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
The move would place Patel, a known Trump loyalist, at the helm of both federal agencies during a period of heightened political divide. The dual appointment is expected to herald a shift in the ATF’s priorities, moving away from firearms regulation in line with Trump’s gun policy positions.
While Patel’s FBI confirmation faced opposition from Democrats and two Republican moderates who raised concerns about his previous statements regarding Trump critics, he ultimately secured confirmation through Republican backing.
The announcement follows Attorney General Pam Bondi’s dismissal of ATF Chief Counsel Pamela Hicks, reportedly related to the agency’s gun owner enforcement approach. Bondi has announced plans to redirect ATF resources toward supporting Justice Department immigration initiatives rather than traditional firearms, alcohol, and tobacco regulation.
The appointment continues a pattern of dual-role leadership in the Trump administration, similar to Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s concurrent oversight of USAID, suggesting a broader strategy to consolidate executive branch authority.
