President Trump’s executive order aims to safeguard Second Amendment rights, potentially reversing Biden-era gun control measures.
Top Takeaways
- Trump issues executive order to review and potentially undo federal gun regulations
- Attorney General Pam Bondi tasked with examining agency rules, especially from Biden Administration
- Order directs review of ATF rules on unfinished firearm parts and pistol-braced guns
- Gun-rights groups praise the order, while gun-control advocates criticize it
- Review includes examining reports from White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention
Trump’s Executive Order: A Shift in Gun Policy
President Donald Trump has taken a significant step in fulfilling his campaign promise to reverse Biden-era gun policies. The president has issued an executive order, titled “Protecting Second Amendment Rights,” directing a comprehensive review of federal regulations that may infringe upon the constitutional right to bear arms. This move marks Trump’s first direct action on gun policy since returning to office, signaling a stark departure from the previous administration’s approach to firearm regulation.
The order tasks Attorney General Pam Bondi with examining agency rules and policies, particularly those implemented during the Biden Administration, for any improper restrictions on gun rights. Bondi has been given a 30-day deadline to complete this review and propose a plan of action to protect Second Amendment rights.
President Trump's Second Amendment Executive Order will AT A MINIMUM:
✅Repeal Biden gun control
✅Put checks on ATF
✅Evaluate ongoing 2A litigationOur team is committed to working with this admin to deliver results for gun owners. https://t.co/X480vbnSzm
— Gun Owners of America (@GunOwners) February 7, 2025
Scope of the Review
The executive order’s scope is extensive, covering actions from January 2021 to January 2025. It specifically targets ATF rules on unfinished firearm parts and pistol-braced guns, as well as the agency’s “zero tolerance” policy for regulating licensed gun dealers. The review will also examine reports from the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention and the government’s position in gun-rights litigation.
“Promises made to law-abiding gun owners are being kept by President Donald J. Trump,” said Doug Hamlin, NRA Executive Vice President.
Additionally, the Attorney General is required to assess international agreements and litigation affecting Second Amendment rights. This comprehensive approach underscores the administration’s commitment to addressing gun rights issues at both domestic and international levels.
Reactions and Implications
The executive order has garnered mixed reactions. Gun-rights groups have responded positively, viewing it as a fulfillment of Trump’s promises to gun owners. Aidan Johnston, Gun Owners of America’s Director of Federal Affairs, praised the order, stating, “Gun owners fought hard to elect a president who would take a sledgehammer to Biden’s unconstitutional gun control policies, and today, President Trump proved he’s serious about that fight.”
However, gun-control groups have criticized the order, suggesting it contradicts Trump’s previous commitments to reduce gun trafficking. The Brady PAC pointedly asked, “Didn’t Trump just promise the president of Mexico that he would clamp down on gun trafficking?”
Looking Ahead
As the review process unfolds, all eyes will be on Attorney General Pam Bondi and Domestic Policy Advisor Steven Miller, who are leading this effort. The proposed plan of action, due within 30 days, will likely shape the administration’s approach to gun rights and regulations moving forward. It’s worth noting that while the order sets a clear direction, it does not affect existing legal authorities or budgetary functions, nor does it create enforceable rights or benefits against the U.S. government.
The executive order’s emphasis on the Second Amendment as a safeguard of security and liberty reflects the administration’s stance on gun rights. As the review progresses, it will be crucial to monitor how this order impacts ongoing legal challenges, including those currently before the Supreme Court, and how it shapes the broader debate on gun rights and public safety in America.
