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Trump administration moves to roll back dozens of federal gun regulations

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The Trump administration is moving to eliminate more than three dozen federal firearms regulations, marking one of the most significant shifts in U.S. gun policy in years and reversing many measures adopted during the Biden administration.

The proposed changes affect a wide range of firearms regulations enforced by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Among them are plans to ease restrictions on gun dealers, loosen oversight of certain private gun sales, restore firearm rights to some individuals previously restricted because of mental health or financial guardianship issues, and eliminate additional scrutiny of stabilizing braces used with firearms.

Supporters say the changes restore Second Amendment protections and provide clearer rules for firearms dealers and manufacturers. The White House has argued that previous regulations exceeded congressional intent and placed unnecessary burdens on lawful gun owners and businesses. Firearms industry representatives have also said the revisions will create greater regulatory certainty.

Critics, however, warn the rollback could weaken public safety. Gun-control organizations and former ATF officials argue that reducing enforcement authority and oversight may make it easier for prohibited individuals to obtain firearms and could undermine efforts to curb illegal gun sales.

Among the most notable reversals is the administration’s decision to end the ATF’s “zero-tolerance” policy toward licensed gun dealers who repeatedly violated federal law. The policy, implemented during the Biden administration, resulted in the revocation of more than 600 federal firearms licenses for violations such as failing to conduct background checks or falsifying business records. Under the proposed changes, regulators would face a higher legal threshold before revoking a dealer’s license.

The administration has also challenged several state firearms laws, including restrictions on semiautomatic rifles in Colorado, Virginia and the District of Columbia, and recently filed a lawsuit against California over limits on the sale of certain Glock-style handguns.

While many of the proposed changes have not yet taken effect, they represent a broad effort to reshape federal firearms policy in line with President Donald Trump’s campaign pledge to expand protections for gun owners while reducing federal regulation. The proposals are expected to draw continued legal and political scrutiny as the rulemaking process moves forward.

Source: NYT

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