Streamlining Federal Law Enforcement: The Case for Eliminating the FBI & ATF Amid Overlapping Mandates

With a government that should be practicing fiscal restraint and calling for government efficiency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) stand as cornerstone agencies under the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Established to safeguard national security, combat crime, and uphold the rule of law, these organizations embody the motto of "Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity" and focus on disrupting violent threats through targeted enforcement. Yet, as detailed in recent analyses of their operations and budgets, their expansive roles frequently intersect with those of other federal agencies, raising questions about redundancy, coordination challenges, and the true cost to taxpayers.