Dan Driscoll replaces Kash Patel as interim head of ATF

The White House has ordered a leadership change at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). As of late Wednesday, Kash Patel stepped down as acting director, with Dan Driscoll, also the Secretary of the Army, stepping in as his replacement.

Reuters and other agencies initially reported the news, which was soon confirmed by the federal government. Kash Patel had been serving as acting director, a role now taken over by Dan Driscoll, who is also the Secretary of the Army. Interim leadership has become a common occurrence in recent years. Since 2013, only two individuals have been officially appointed to the position, while seven others have served in an interim capacity.

The White House has yet to provide an explanation for the leadership change. Patel, who was appointed head of the FBI while serving as acting director of the ATF, was dismissed without any indication that his performance in the role was a factor. A Justice Department official told Reuters, which first reported the change, that the dismissal was not a reflection of Patel's performance.

Harrison Fields, a White House spokesman, told AP that Patel was "briefly appointed ATF director while awaiting Senate confirmations, a standard, short-term move."

"Director Patel is now excelling in his role at the FBI and delivering outstanding results," Fields said.

Driscoll is the first civilian with a military background to hold the post since 2015. According to Axios, he will continue to serve as Secretary of the Army while taking on this new role.