Trump picks Kash Patel to lead FBI and ATF

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President Trump has selected FBI Director Kash Patel to take on additional responsibilities as the acting head of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), according to multiple sources who spoke with NewsNation and Fox News on Saturday.

The appointment follows Patel’s recent installation as FBI Director, marking a swift expansion of his federal law enforcement oversight responsibilities.

The leadership changes come amid significant transitions in key positions. According to Fox News, “Former FBI Director Christopher Wray resigned at the end of former President Biden’s term, and Attorney General Pam Bondi fired the ATF general counsel, Pamela Hicks, on Thursday.”

America is a lot safer today. Kash Patel is now the director of FBI and ATF. Thanks to President Donald Trump for selecting the best person to lead these agencies. pic.twitter.com/FoilSGVDp7

— Ash Shrivastav (@AshShrivastav) February 22, 2025

Hicks acknowledged her departure on LinkedIn, writing, “Earlier today, I was served official notice from the Attorney General of the United States that I was being removed from my position as the Chief Counsel of ATF and my employment with the Department of Justice terminated.”

She added, “Serving as ATF Chief Counsel has been the highest honor of my career and working with the people at ATF and throughout the Department has been a pleasure. I thank my colleagues for their friendship and partnership over the years.”

Hicks brought significant experience to the role, having served as ATF’s chief counsel since 2021, following her previous position as deputy chief counsel during Trump’s first administration.

I am unconvinced we even need an ATF, but if it is going to exist Kash needs to fire everyone above about GS12 and restock. And open the registry and advocate for repeal of NFA and Hughes Amendment. https://t.co/3lvWZLFCdN

— Phillip Beall (@PhillipBeall) February 23, 2025

Attorney General Bondi explained to Fox News that the personnel changes reflected a shift in policy direction, particularly regarding gun ownership. “These people were targeting gun owners,” Bondi said. “Not gonna happen under this administration.”

As of now, Patel has maintained silence regarding his expanded role overseeing both federal agencies.