The United States Justice Department has reversed several significant firearm restrictions, including reinstating the so-called "gun show loophole" that permits individuals to purchase guns at such events without undergoing a background check. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced these changes, which represent a shift in firearm policy long advocated by Second Amendment supporters prominent within Donald Trump's base.
Background Check Requirements Rolled Back
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 regulations bring gun laws in line with Supreme Court rulings while reducing bureaucratic burdens on firearms sellers and owners. He described the revisions as the "most comprehensive regulatory reform package in the history" of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Pistol Brace Rule Also Rescinded
The department also rescinded a 2023 rule restricting pistol braces—attachments that allow shooters to brace a weapon against their shoulder like a rifle. A federal court had already struck down that rule. Blanche asserted that "nothing we are doing today weakens law enforcement."
Criticism from Gun Control Advocates
Gun control groups condemned the administration's actions, warning of increased danger. 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." In a fundraising email, the group reiterated that Trump's response to gun violence had been to undermine safety laws.
New ATF Leadership Confirmed
These changes coincide with the Senate confirmation of a new ATF head, Robert Cekada, a longtime law enforcement officer who had served as deputy director for the past year. Blanche praised him as "exactly the right person to lead the ATF at this moment."
The policy shift follows earlier administration promises to weaken gun regulation. In February of last year, Trump issued an executive order directing the Justice Department "to assess any ongoing infringements of the second amendment rights of our citizens," and later established a section within the civil rights division focused on gun rights.
