Trump Expands Control Over Law Enforcement: Kash Patel to Lead FBI and ATF Simultaneously

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🔴 UPDATE: February 22, 2025

Trump to Appoint FBI Director Kash Patel as Acting ATF Chief, Expanding His Control Over Law Enforcement

In another alarming consolidation of power, President Donald Trump is set to appoint FBI Director Kash Patel as the acting head of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). This move, reported by multiple sources within the administration, would put Patel in control of both the FBI and the ATF simultaneously, a dangerous precedent that effectively merges two of the nation’s most powerful law enforcement agencies under one of Trump’s most fiercely loyal enforcers.

🚨 Key Developments:

• Kash Patel to Lead ATF While Remaining FBI Director – Patel, who was confirmed as FBI Director earlier this year, is now being tapped to run ATF as well, placing unprecedented law enforcement power in the hands of one individual with deep political loyalties to Trump.

• ATF to Shift Focus Away From Firearms Regulation – Patel has reportedly signaled plans to reduce the agency’s enforcement of gun laws, instead shifting ATF resources toward immigration-related crimes, a directive coming from Attorney General Pam Bondi as part of Trump’s broader efforts to undermine gun control regulations.

• Legal Experts Sound Alarms Over Conflicts of Interest – Constitutional and law enforcement experts have warned that Patel’s dual leadership of both agencies presents an enormous conflict of interest, effectively erasing any remaining independence in federal law enforcement and enabling Trump to weaponize these agencies against political opponents.

🔍 Consequences:

• Law Enforcement Power Grab – This unprecedented dual appointment consolidates unparalleled control over federal law enforcement under one of Trump’s most loyal operatives, further politicizing agencies meant to operate independently.

• Dismantling Gun Regulations – With Patel in charge of the ATF, gun laws could go effectively unenforced, allowing an unchecked flow of firearms, weakening background check enforcement, and undoing decades of regulatory oversight.

• Weaponization of Federal Law Enforcement – This move aligns with the administration’s strategy of targeting political enemies, raising fears that the FBI and ATF could be used for political retribution under Patel’s leadership.

• Further Erosion of DOJ Independence – The Patel appointment is yet another step in the administration’s efforts to undermine the neutrality of the Justice Department, consolidating law enforcement power in ways that mirror authoritarian regimes.

📌 Sources:

• AP News: New FBI Director Kash Patel will also be named acting head of the ATF, official says

• Reuters: Trump to name FBI chief Patel as acting ATF director, source says

• New York Post: Kash Patel tapped to run ATF; tells FBI staff to ‘pause’ responses to Musk’s email justifying their work

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