Kash Patel was recently sworn in as the FBI director and will also be taking on the role of acting director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), according to a US official familiar with the matter.
There has been speculation surrounding the possibility of Patel overseeing both agencies, leading to discussions about a potential merger between parts of the ATF and the FBI. This idea has been circulating in conservative media circles, and it is worth noting that Joe Biden, during his time as vice president in the Obama administration, had previously proposed a similar merger as part of efforts to address mass shootings.
One of the reasons behind the potential merger is the challenge both Democratic and Republican administrations have faced in securing Senate approval for ATF director nominees. This difficulty stems from opposition from various gun-rights groups, making it a contentious issue that has yet to be resolved.
