Patel is set to lead an agency that's been a frequent target of Republicans, including an effort to abolish it altogether.

Meanwhile, more of the president's nominees are being installed. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and FBI Director Kash Patel were sworn in on Friday. One month into Trump's term, new polling shows his approval rating at 45% with 53% of Americans disapproving.

Kash Patel, who has received support from the Gun Owners of America lobby group for championing gun rights, would be expected to lead an overhaul of the agency, shifting its focus away from regulating firearms.