Feds Propose Law Enforcement Shake-Up, Gun Groups Raise Eyebrows [WATCH]

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is reportedly evaluating a proposal that could merge two powerful agencies: the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

According to a March 25 memo obtained by Reuters, this potential merger is part of a broader restructuring plan that also includes the closure of several DOJ field offices focused on antitrust, environmental, and civil cases.

BREAKING

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche has ordered DOJ to come up with a plan to potentially merge ATF and DEA.

This would be a DISASTER for gun owners and the Second Amendment. pic.twitter.com/yaahzXu6UL

— Gun Owners of America (@GunOwners) March 27, 2025

Elon Musk Called This Financial News ‘Terrifying’

The department’s internal memo outlines that the merger of the ATF and DEA would be aimed at achieving efficiencies in resources, case management, and regulatory efforts. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche has directed department heads and relevant officials to provide feedback on the proposal by April 2.

FREE Concealed Carry Gun Laws & Reciprocity Map

The memo notes that the proposed changes, including the ATF-DEA merger, may require congressional approval to move forward.

Blanche further explained that the proposed cuts and structural changes, which include the merger and potential office closures, were previously submitted to both the Office of Personnel Management and the White House Office of Management and Budget for review.

However, specific details regarding how many of the DOJ’s 115,000 employees would be impacted were not provided.

The proposed merger of the ATF and DEA comes at a time when the Trump administration is already taking steps to address issues within the ATF.

The agency has long been controversial, particularly due to its involvement in the Ruby Ridge and Waco incidents.

In light of these concerns, President Trump appointed FBI Director Kash Patel as acting head of the ATF, signaling potential significant changes within the agency.

Patel, who has long been a proponent of reforming the FBI, has emphasized his intention to strengthen ties between federal agencies and local law enforcement.

His confirmation process saw a record number of endorsements from state and local law enforcement bodies, as well as the National Police Association.

In addition, President Trump expressed his commitment to ATF reform by nominating Kenneth Charles “Chuck” Canterbury, the current president of the National Fraternal Order of Police, to lead the agency in January.

This move reflects the administration’s continued focus on reshaping federal law enforcement agencies to better align with the priorities of local police and enhance their operational effectiveness.

While the proposal to merge the ATF and DEA is still under consideration, it highlights the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to streamline federal law enforcement agencies and reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies.

If approved, the restructuring would represent a significant shift in how these two agencies operate, with a focus on optimizing resources and improving coordination between federal and local law enforcement entities.

As discussions continue, all eyes will be on the potential impact of these changes, particularly in light of the controversy surrounding the ATF’s past actions and the administration’s goal of restoring public trust in federal law enforcement.

American Made Patriotic Apparel – Save 15% with Promo Code MERICA

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.