A T F Director

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has been the spearpoint for various presidential administrations in those administrations’ efforts to neuter the 2nd Amendment, through the government bureaucracy. 

Democrats fondly remember the ‘golden years’ - prior to Trump - when the ATF’s budget increased, ATF Directors were firmly anti-2A and agents were closing a record number of gun stores.

Anti-2A organization “The Trace” bemoans President Trump’s recent year in office: In one year’s time, he has effectively starved the ATF of resources and support. He nixed regulations meant to expand background checks for gun purchases and relaxed penalties for lawbreaking gun dealers. He proposed slashing the agency’s budget, and he has diverted agents away from fighting violent crime to beef up immigration enforcement. After the ATF’s permanent director resigned, Trump twice installed inexperienced interim leaders as replacements.

Yeah.  So, what’s the problem?

“Lawbreaking gun dealers” were only dealers who made a clerical mistake.

“…diverted agents away from fighting violent crime to beef up immigration enforcement. Enforcing immigration rules against gangs like Tren de Agua and individual murderers, rapists and sex-traffickers isn’t fighting violent crime?  Are these people worse than gun dealers who made a clerical mistake?  Not in Democrat’s minds.

“Proposed laying off 20 percent of the agency’s staff.”  With its history of anti-gun efforts, one has to believe the ATF is still populated by deep staters who are dedicated to preserving their personal power and position through dedication to the Democrat Party’s anti-gun philosophy.  Since many in the ATF are not political appointees, it is difficult for a pro 2nd Amendment administration to get the ATF to do a ‘180.’  Cutting the budget is one way to attack it.

But ‘The Trace’ is partially correct that there were several changes in ATF Directors during the past year.  So, Trump has nominated a permanent director.  The Senate Judiciary Committee recently held a confirmation hearing for Robert Cekada, President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as Director of the ATF. 

During the hearing, Cekada repeatedly said that the ATF’s mission is “not to burden lawful gun owners.” He committed to upholding the Constitution’s right to ‘keep and bear arms’ and he promised no interference with law-abiding citizens exercising that right.  Regulations must align with law and avoid unnecessary burdens on lawful gun owners and the firearms industry.  No major opposition emerged – which gives us some reason to pause; one would expect wailing to the heavens by Democrats over a Trump nomination.

Cekada has been the ATF’s Deputy Director since 2025.  He has been with the ATF since 2000 and has held a variety of positions.

Ammoland gives us reason to hope as it reports that “The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) expressed support, with representatives noting Cekada’s history of collaboration and his pledge not to impose undue regulatory hurdles. The American Suppressor Association (ASA) entered a supportive letter into the record, praising his commitment to accountability, transparency, and stakeholder engagement. Gun rights advocates and law enforcement alike appeared unified in viewing him as a stabilizing, experienced choice.”

Hopefully, Cekada is not a deep stater who has been in hiding and is, instead, a rabid supporter of President Trump’s agenda for the 2nd Amendment.