Trump’s bold move to dismantle Biden’s gun control regulations has gun rights advocates celebrating while sending shockwaves through public safety groups who fear increased violence.
At a Glance
- Attorney General Pam Bondi is leading efforts to overturn Biden’s “zero tolerance” policy targeting firearm dealers with repeated federal violations
- The Trump administration plans to review and potentially dismantle restrictions on pistol braces and background check requirements for private gun sales
- Trump has promised NRA members their Second Amendment rights would remain untouched during his second term
- The Biden-era ATF director faces uncertain future as structural changes to the bureau are considered
- Public opinion polls show 56% of Americans support stricter gun regulations, according to Gallup
Trump Administration Takes Aim at Biden’s Gun Control Legacy
President Trump’s administration has taken swift action to fulfill campaign promises by dismantling gun control measures established during Biden’s tenure. Leading this charge is Attorney General Pam Bondi, who has already begun the process of overturning the controversial “zero tolerance” policy that targeted firearms dealers with repeated federal violations. This move represents just the first step in what appears to be a comprehensive rollback of restrictions that many Second Amendment advocates viewed as government overreach limiting the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens.
The administration’s focus extends beyond the zero tolerance policy to include reviewing restrictions on pistol braces and requirements for background checks in private gun sales. These Biden-era regulations were implemented through executive action rather than congressional legislation, making them vulnerable to reversal under the new administration. Gun rights groups have applauded these early moves as fulfillment of Trump’s campaign promise to protect Second Amendment freedoms from what they characterized as unconstitutional restrictions.
Structural Changes to ATF Under Consideration
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) faces an uncertain future as the Trump administration considers structural changes to the agency responsible for enforcing federal firearms laws. Current ATF Director Steve Dettelbach, appointed during Biden’s presidency, may be replaced as part of this overhaul. This potential leadership change would align with Trump’s previous statements about restructuring federal agencies that he believes have overstepped their authority in regulating firearm ownership and commerce.
“Every single Biden attack on gun owners and manufacturers will be terminated my very first week back in office,” Trump stated during his campaign, setting expectations for swift action on gun rights issues.
The administration’s approach to ATF restructuring reflects broader goals to reduce regulatory burden on businesses, particularly those in the firearms industry. Gun rights advocates have long argued that ATF enforcement policies unfairly target legitimate dealers and manufacturers while failing to address actual criminal activity. The proposed changes aim to refocus the bureau’s efforts on violent criminals rather than technical violations by otherwise law-abiding citizens and businesses.
Administrative Challenges and Timeline for Policy Reversals
Despite the administration’s determination to roll back Biden-era gun regulations, legal and administrative hurdles may slow the process. Experts note that undoing established rules requires following the Administrative Procedures Act (APA), which mandates a methodical approach similar to the original rulemaking process. This means complete reversals could take months or even years to fully implement, particularly if challenged in court by gun control advocacy groups.
“The APA’s rulemaking requirements generally apply to the repeal and amendment of rules, as well as to their initial issuance,” explains a 2021 report from the Congressional Research Service. “Courts generally apply the same scrutiny to review an agency’s rescission of a rule as they do for a rule’s issuance.”
Rather than waiting for the lengthy administrative process to conclude, the Justice Department has already begun shifting enforcement priorities away from Biden’s stringent policies. This tactical approach allows for immediate impact while the formal dismantling of regulations proceeds through required channels. The strategy demonstrates the administration’s commitment to protecting Second Amendment rights while working within the constraints of federal regulatory procedures.
Opposition and Public Safety Concerns
Gun violence prevention groups have expressed alarm over the policy reversals, arguing that removing these regulations could lead to increased firearm violence. These organizations point to statistics showing gun violence as a leading cause of death for American adolescents under 19, according to Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions. The policy shift has galvanized these groups to intensify their advocacy efforts at state and local levels where they may find more receptive audiences.
“The election of Donald Trump is deeply troubling for our safety and freedom from gun violence, and that’s why we are doubling down on our work and fighting harder than ever,” said Kris Brown, president of Brady, a gun violence prevention organization.
Supporters of the administration’s actions counter that these regulations did little to address actual criminal behavior while imposing significant burdens on law-abiding gun owners and businesses. They argue that focusing on enforcing existing laws against violent criminals rather than creating new restrictions would more effectively improve public safety without infringing on constitutional rights. This perspective aligns with Trump’s longstanding position that gun ownership itself is not the problem, but rather criminal misuse of firearms.
Fulfilling Campaign Promises to Second Amendment Supporters
The administration’s actions on gun policy directly fulfill promises made during the campaign, when Trump assured supporters that Second Amendment rights would be protected. Speaking at the National Rifle Association convention earlier this year, Trump pledged that firearms rights would remain secure under his presidency. These early policy moves demonstrate a commitment to keeping those promises despite opposition from gun control advocates and some public health experts.
“Your Second Amendment will always be safe with me as your president,” Trump told NRA members during his campaign, a commitment his administration is now implementing through policy changes.
Beyond the immediate regulatory changes, the administration’s approach to gun policy reflects a broader philosophical difference regarding the role of government in regulating constitutional rights. While opponents argue these regulations are necessary public safety measures, supporters see them as government overreach that fails to address the root causes of violence while penalizing responsible gun owners. This fundamental division ensures that gun policy will remain a contentious issue throughout Trump’s presidency.
