Young Army Chief Seizes Control of ATF in Unprecedented Power Move

Paul Riverbank, 4/10/2025Young Army Secretary takes unprecedented dual role leading ATF amid leadership challenges.

I've been covering federal appointments for two decades, and this one's different. Driscoll, just 38, got the news while somewhere in Europe handling Army business. Now he's juggling leadership of a million-strong military branch with running an agency that's been a political hot potato since its inception.

The shuffle comes after FBI Director Kash Patel's brief stint minding the ATF store. "Never meant to be permanent," a source close to Patel told me over coffee last week. Makes sense – Patel's got his hands full running the Bureau.

What's fascinating about Driscoll is his background. Yale Law grad, yes, but also a former cavalry officer who saw action with the 10th Mountain Division in Iraq. Worth noting: he's tight with Vice President JD Vance from their law school days. In Washington, those connections matter.

Let's be real about the challenge here. The ATF isn't just any agency – it's got 5,000 employees and 2,500 agents working in one of the most politically charged areas of law enforcement. Meanwhile, the Army's wrestling with a $185.9 billion budget and trying to pivot from counterterrorism to countering China.

During his January confirmation hearing, Driscoll talked about preparing the Army for "new, complex and contested environments." Little did he know how personally those words would apply just months later.

The ATF's leadership troubles aren't new. Since 2006, when Congress decided directors needed Senate confirmation, only Todd Jones (2013) and Steve Dettelbach (2022) have made it through the gauntlet. It's been a revolving door otherwise.

Timing here is crucial. The Army's in the middle of its biggest strategic shift since the Cold War ended, while the ATF's trying to maintain operations despite recent budget cuts – they're down $47 million from their already tight $1.6 billion budget.

This experiment in federal leadership could set a precedent, for better or worse. But one thing's certain: Driscoll's about to find out if it's possible to serve two masters in the federal bureaucracy. History suggests it's a tall order, but then again, we're in uncharted territory.

In a move that's left Washington insiders scratching their heads, the Biden administration has tapped Army Secretary Dan Driscoll to pull double duty as acting ATF director. It's the kind of appointment that makes you wonder whether we're watching innovation in federal leadership or a desperate scramble to fill a critical vacancy.I've been covering federal appointments for two decades, and this one's different. Driscoll, just 38, got the news while somewhere in Europe handling Army business. Now he's juggling leadership of a million-strong military branch with running an agency that's been a political hot potato since its inception.The shuffle comes after FBI Director Kash Patel's brief stint minding the ATF store. "Never meant to be permanent," a source close to Patel told me over coffee last week. Makes sense – Patel's got his hands full running the Bureau.What's fascinating about Driscoll is his background. Yale Law grad, yes, but also a former cavalry officer who saw action with the 10th Mountain Division in Iraq. Worth noting: he's tight with Vice President JD Vance from their law school days. In Washington, those connections matter.Let's be real about the challenge here. The ATF isn't just any agency – it's got 5,000 employees and 2,500 agents working in one of the most politically charged areas of law enforcement. Meanwhile, the Army's wrestling with a $185.9 billion budget and trying to pivot from counterterrorism to countering China.During his January confirmation hearing, Driscoll talked about preparing the Army for "new, complex and contested environments." Little did he know how personally those words would apply just months later.The ATF's leadership troubles aren't new. Since 2006, when Congress decided directors needed Senate confirmation, only Todd Jones (2013) and Steve Dettelbach (2022) have made it through the gauntlet. It's been a revolving door otherwise.Timing here is crucial. The Army's in the middle of its biggest strategic shift since the Cold War ended, while the ATF's trying to maintain operations despite recent budget cuts – they're down $47 million from their already tight $1.6 billion budget.This experiment in federal leadership could set a precedent, for better or worse. But one thing's certain: Driscoll's about to find out if it's possible to serve two masters in the federal bureaucracy. History suggests it's a tall order, but then again, we're in uncharted territory.