The US Justice Department has rolled back several significant restrictions on firearms, including reinstating the so-called "gun show loophole," which permits individuals to purchase guns at such events without undergoing a background check. This policy shift, announced by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, aligns with the Second Amendment advocacy prominent among Donald Trump's supporter base.
Background and Policy Changes
In 2024, the Biden administration had closed the "gun show loophole" by requiring anyone "engaged in the business" of selling firearms for profit to obtain a federal firearms license (FFL) and conduct background checks, regardless of whether sales occurred at gun shows, online, or in person. This rule was challenged in court by gun rights groups and Republican-led states, who argued it violated the constitutional right to bear arms and exceeded presidential authority.
Blanche claimed the new revisions bring gun regulations in line with Supreme Court rulings while reducing red tape for firearms sellers and owners. He described the slate of changes as the "most comprehensive regulatory reform package in the history" of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Additional Reforms
The new plans also include rescinding a 2023 rule that restricted pistol braces—attachments enabling shooters to hold weapons against their shoulders like rifles. A federal court had previously struck down that rule. Blanche emphasized, "Nothing we are doing today weakens law enforcement."
Reactions and Implications
Gun control groups criticized the administration, warning of reduced public safety. John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety, stated, "Four days after the nation watched gunfire break out at the White House correspondents’ dinner, the Trump administration’s answer is to gut commonsense gun safety laws and sabotage the only federal agency dedicated to keeping guns out of criminal hands." The group also sent a fundraising email accusing Trump of undermining gun safety laws.
The changes coincide with the Senate confirmation of Robert Cekada as the new ATF head. Cekada, a longtime law enforcement officer, had been serving as deputy director for the past year. Blanche praised him, saying, "Rob is exactly the right person to lead the ATF at this moment."
These actions fulfill promises made by the Trump administration to weaken gun regulation. In one of his first executive orders in February 2024, Trump directed the Justice Department to assess infringements on Second Amendment rights and later established a civil rights division section focused on gun rights.
