The U.S. Justice Department is considering a significant reorganization that includes merging the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) into a single agency. This proposal is part of President Donald Trump‘s broader effort to streamline the federal government, as outlined in a memo dated March 25.
The potential merger aims to enhance resource efficiency, improve case coordination, and strengthen regulatory efforts. However, it requires congressional approval and has faced criticism from advocacy groups, who argue that it could weaken law enforcement’s ability to combat gun violence and the fentanyl epidemic.
In addition to the DEA-ATF merger, the Justice Department is considering eliminating field offices that handle antitrust, environmental, and civil cases. The plan also involves reassigning public corruption attorneys to U.S. Attorneys’ offices and reducing staffing in the Criminal Division and National Security Division.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche has asked department officials to provide feedback on the proposal by April 2. The initiative is part of a larger campaign by Trump and his adviser Elon Musk to reduce the federal workforce, which has already targeted over 100,000 jobs across various agencies.
Critics, including advocacy groups like Justice Connection and Giffords, have condemned the merger, warning that it could undermine law enforcement capabilities and community safety. The ATF’s role in enforcing gun laws has historically faced political pressure, and the Senate has struggled to confirm its directors since the position became subject to Senate confirmation in 2006.
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