FBI Director Kash Patel Denies CNN Report on Major ATF Cuts

FBI Director Kash Patel has strongly refuted a CNN report claiming he intends to implement significant cuts to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

In a memo to ATF employees obtained by Fox News Digital, Patel described the CNN report as ’entirely false.’ The report, published by CNN, alleged that Patel planned to transfer as many as 1,000 ATF agents to the FBI and reduce the number of ATF agents by more than a third. This would represent a major cutback to the agency, which currently has about 2,600 agents and more than 5,000 employees.

Patel, who is also serving as acting director of the ATF, emphasized in his memo that operational decisions regarding the ATF are not influenced by media reports. He stated, ‘The fake news will NEVER be responsible for operational command authority over the ATF, we are.’ Patel further asserted that the security and dedication of ATF personnel would not be compromised by media disinformation campaigns.

The CNN report had suggested that after its publication and subsequent pushback, including from Republican allies, FBI officials began to reconsider aspects of their plan. However, Patel firmly denied any such alterations to the agency’s strategy, calling the report entirely false.

Patel’s firm stance against media scrutiny was evident in his remarks following his swearing-in as FBI director last month. He challenged the media directly, stating, ‘Look, I know the media’s in here, and if you have a target, the target’s right here,’ and urged them to leave the FBI’s personnel out of their criticisms.

President Donald Trump appointed Patel to overhaul the FBI, an agency that has faced accusations of politicization in recent years. Patel’s appointment and subsequent actions reflect his commitment to maintaining the integrity and operational independence of federal law enforcement agencies.