FBI Director Kash Patel is directly refuting a CNN report that claimed he was orchestrating a sweeping personnel reduction at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), calling the allegations “entirely false” in a memo sent to ATF employees, Fox News Digital has confirmed.
CNN’s original report, published Saturday, asserted that Patel had outlined plans to move up to 1,000 ATF agents into the FBI, effectively slashing ATF staffing by over one-third. The report cited unnamed sources and suggested that the decision, viewed by some as a strategic move to appease Second Amendment advocates, was partly walked back after political backlash.
CNN stated, “The move represents a major cutback of the ATF, an agency that long has been in the crosshairs of gun rights groups that believe its work infringes on Second Amendment rights,” referencing ATF’s long-standing friction with firearms advocates.
However, Patel, who is currently serving as both FBI Director and acting ATF Director, dismissed the report entirely. In a written memo obtained by Fox News, he addressed the ATF workforce directly: “This ‘report’ is entirely false.”
Patel added, “The fake news will NEVER be responsible for operational command authority over the ATF. We are. The brave men and women of the ATF who courageously dedicate themselves to protecting the American public will not have their security jeopardized by the media’s disinformation campaigns.”
He further clarified that any future personnel decisions would not be shaped by media narratives or external political pressure: “When we make decisions, they will be final, regardless of the input of CNN or any other news organization.”
Patel’s statement aligns with remarks he made publicly upon being sworn in as FBI Director in February. Addressing members of the media directly, Patel said, “If you have a target, the target’s right here,” pointing to himself. “It is not the men and women at the FBI.”
Patel’s dual role overseeing both the FBI and ATF is part of a broader restructuring effort initiated by President Donald Trump, who tasked Patel with restoring credibility and operational focus at the Bureau after years of criticism over political bias and internal mismanagement.
Despite the aggressive media coverage and politically charged context, there is currently no formal documentation or official plan confirming the restructuring outlined by CNN. Patel’s response indicates that while changes to federal law enforcement may still be on the table under Trump’s second term, speculation based on unnamed sources will not guide agency operations.
