Patel Out, Army Secretary Takes Over ATF: Concerns Rise Over Military-Agency Overlap
Kash Patel’s removal as acting director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and his subsequent replacement by the Army Secretary has certainly raised eyebrows. The immediate reaction is a feeling of unease; the idea of the Army Secretary overseeing both a branch of the military and a civilian law enforcement agency like the ATF feels inherently unsettling. This arrangement prompts questions about potential conflicts of interest and an overall blurring of lines between military and civilian authority.
The circumstances surrounding Patel’s departure add another layer of complexity. Reports suggest he simply stopped showing up for work at the ATF, raising questions about his commitment and competence.… Continue reading