By Chris McNutt

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) has officially appointed Robert Leider as its new Chief Counsel, marking a significant shift in the agency’s leadership and direction. Leider, a staunch advocate for Second Amendment protections, replaces the fired likely DEI hire, Pamela Hicks, who oversaw the implementation of some of the most unconstitutional gun control rules in ATF history under the Biden administration.

Leider’s appointment represents the first major personnel change since Kash Patel took over as Acting Director of the agency.

A Pro-Gun Legal Mind Takes Over

His legal philosophy stands in stark contrast to Hicks, whose tenure was defined by Biden-era crackdowns on law-abiding gun owners, including the disastrous pistol brace ban, the ATF’s zero-tolerance policy on gun dealers, and the aggressive targeting of homemade firearms under the so-called “ghost gun” rule.

With Leider now at the helm of ATF’s legal department, the agency could be poised for a course correction, with potential reversals or reevaluations of some of these unconstitutional measures.

Dave Warrington’s Influence on the ATF Shakeup

Leider’s appointment is likely the result of the growing influence of Trump’s newly appointed Chief Counsel, Dave Warrington.

Warrington, a former National Association for Gun Rights (NAGR) board chairman and legal representative for Texas Gun Rights, was named Trump’s Chief Counsel and Assistant in December. His presence in the administration signals a clear effort to roll back Biden’s gun control policies and restore Second Amendment protections.

With Warrington advising Trump daily, his influence is becoming evident in personnel decisions at the ATF. The hiring of Robert Leider as Chief Counsel could be the first step in a broader pro-gun shift at the agency.

Gun Owners Demand More Action

While Leider’s appointment is a step in the right direction, gun owners remain anxious and impatient for Attorney General Pam Bondi to release her long-overdue report on Biden-era gun control through the ATF and by executive order. 

Gun owners expect nothing less than a recommendation to repeal every single Biden gun control rule, including the pistol brace ban, “ghost gun” restrictions, universal background check expansion, and dealer reclassification rules.

Even if Bondi delivers, pro-gun advocates warn against complacency. While positive changes at the ATF are welcome, the agency itself remains a threat to the Second Amendment.

The Fight to Abolish the ATF Continues

Despite the shakeup at the ATF, Texas Gun Rights is reminding gun owners that the real fight is far from over. The ATF remains a rogue agency, and no amount of leadership changes will erase its history of constitutional violations and abuse.

That’s why **Texas Gun Rights is urging all members of Congress to support H.R. 221, the bill to abolish the ATF, and to repeal the National Firearms Act (NFA) with **H.R. 335—two major steps needed to restore true constitutional freedom in America.