While speaking to members of the NRA in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on Friday, President Trump did not hold back with his attacks towards Joe Biden’s Alcohol, Firearms, and Tobacco (ATF) Director Steve Dettelbach, promising to “sack” him as soon as he wins the presidency.
“On day one, we will sack the radical gun-grabber Steve Dettelbach,” Trump told audience members, “and we’re going to replace him with an ATF director who respects the sacred right to keep and bear arms.”
The ATF is a federal agency that plays a key role in regulating firearm policies across the United States. Whoever pilots this organization henceforth has tremendous influence over the nation’s gun laws.
The Senate previously confirmed former U.S. Attorney Steve Dettelbach as director of the ATF in July 2022. However, he has received much scrutiny from gun-rights advocates and conservatives over past comments, including his refusing to define an “assault weapon.”
According to a report from Fox News, Dettelbach had even told House members during one confirmation hearing that he was not a “firearms expert” like other representatives despite vying to lead the ATF.
