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ATF Chief Counsel Robert Leider Resigns Amid Firearms Overhaul

By Drooid · Oct 31, 2026 · How we work

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Robert Leider resigns as chief counsel of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
He will stay employed through January, on administrative leave starting Monday.
He oversaw a Department of Justice (DOJ)-led overhaul of firearm regulations unveiled in April 2026.
The overhaul proposed repealing the Biden-era “engaged in the business” dealer-license rule.
A DOJ dispute involved not appealing a Texas short-barreled weapon ruling directed by President Donald Trump.

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Robert Leider resigns as chief counsel of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
He will stay employed through January, on administrative leave starting Monday.
He oversaw a Department of Justice (DOJ)-led overhaul of firearm regulations unveiled in April 2026.
The overhaul proposed repealing the Biden-era “engaged in the business” dealer-license rule.
A DOJ dispute involved not appealing a Texas short-barreled weapon ruling directed by President Donald Trump.