Former President Donald Trump has taken another decisive step in reshaping federal firearms policy, instructing Attorney General Pam Bondi to conduct a thorough review of gun regulations implemented under the Biden administration. This directive signals a potential reversal of several major Biden-era reforms, including stricter background checks for young buyers, expanded federal funding for red flag laws, and the closure of the so-called “boyfriend loophole,” which restricted firearm access for convicted domestic abusers.
A Move to Restore Gun Rights
Trump’s latest action aligns with his long-standing commitment to protecting Second Amendment rights, a key pillar of his political platform. His previous administration actively rolled back gun control measures, including loosening restrictions on firearm exports and repealing Obama-era regulations that limited gun ownership for certain individuals with mental health conditions. With Bondi now at the helm of the Department of Justice, gun rights advocates are anticipating a significant shift in federal firearms policy—one that could dismantle many of the restrictions imposed during Biden’s presidency.
Key Biden-Era Gun Reforms Under Review
One of the primary policies under scrutiny is the expanded background check requirement for buyers under 21. This measure, part of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, aimed to close loopholes that allowed young adults to purchase firearms without extensive vetting. Under this law, authorities were required to review juvenile and mental health records before approving firearm sales to individuals under 21. While supporters of the law argued that it was a necessary safeguard to prevent mass shootings and gun violence among younger demographics, critics claimed it unfairly targeted law-abiding young adults exercising their constitutional rights.
Another controversial policy under review is the increased federal funding for red flag laws, which allow courts to temporarily confiscate firearms from individuals deemed a risk to themselves or others. Red flag laws have been widely debated, with advocates arguing they prevent suicides and mass shootings by ensuring that individuals in crisis do not have immediate access to guns. However, gun rights organizations such as the NRA and Gun Owners of America have strongly opposed these laws, citing due process concerns. They argue that these measures allow firearms to be seized based on accusations rather than concrete evidence, potentially violating constitutional rights.
Also on the chopping block is Biden’s expansion of the domestic abuser firearm prohibition, commonly known as the “boyfriend loophole” provision. Before Biden’s reform, federal law restricted firearm ownership for individuals convicted of domestic abuse, but only if they were married to, lived with, or had children with the victim. The Biden administration expanded these restrictions to include dating partners convicted of domestic violence, arguing that all abusers, regardless of marital status, pose an equal threat. Gun rights groups, however, argue that the law unfairly punishes individuals who may have been involved in contentious disputes without sufficient due process protections.
A Renewed Push for Suppressor Deregulation
While much of the current focus remains on Biden-era reforms, the Trump administration is also reigniting efforts to ease federal restrictions on firearm suppressors, commonly known as silencers. The Hearing Protection Act (HPA), introduced by Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA) and Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID), aims to remove suppressors from the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934.
Currently, purchasing a suppressor requires an extensive application process, a $200 tax stamp, and a months-long background check conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Supporters of the HPA argue that these regulations are outdated and unnecessary, emphasizing that suppressors primarily serve as hearing protection for gun owners, reducing the risk of permanent hearing damage from firearm noise. They also highlight that suppressors help reduce recoil, making firearms more manageable and improving shooting accuracy.
Gun rights organizations such as the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) have pushed back against the common Hollywood portrayal of suppressors as tools for silent assassins. Unlike in movies, where silencers render gunfire nearly inaudible, real-world suppressors only reduce gunshot noise to levels comparable to a jackhammer or a loud motorcycle. If the HPA passes, suppressors would be subject to the same purchasing regulations as standard firearms, eliminating the tax and prolonged waiting period currently required for ownership.
The Debate Over Suppressor Accessibility
Despite strong support from pro-gun lawmakers, the move to deregulate suppressors has faced fierce opposition from gun control advocates and law enforcement officials. Critics argue that making suppressors more accessible could complicate emergency responses to active shooter situations, as gunfire would be harder to detect in public spaces.
Organizations like Everytown for Gun Safety and Brady: United Against Gun Violence warn that removing suppressor regulations could lead to an increase in criminal misuse. They point to incidents such as the 2019 Virginia Beach mass shooting, where the perpetrator used a suppressor while killing 12 people. Opponents argue that even if suppressors are rarely used in violent crimes, deregulation could increase their accessibility to bad actors.
However, statistics from the ATF suggest otherwise. A 2017 ATF report found that out of 1.3 million registered suppressors, only 44 were used in crimes over a decade. Gun rights advocates argue that the vast majority of suppressor owners are law-abiding citizens and that the stigma surrounding these devices is largely unfounded.
The Road Ahead for Gun Policy Under Trump
With Attorney General Bondi now leading the review of federal gun policies, the Republican-led House of Representatives is expected to introduce legislation aimed at rolling back Biden-era restrictions and advancing pro-Second Amendment reforms. The Hearing Protection Act will likely gain renewed traction, and additional measures could be introduced to weaken red flag law funding and loosen background check requirements for young adults.
However, the Senate remains a key battleground, with Democratic opposition likely to challenge many of these initiatives. While Trump’s administration could attempt to roll back some policies through executive action, legal challenges from gun control groups may slow the process.
Public opinion on gun control remains deeply divided. A recent Gallup poll found that 55% of Americans support stricter gun laws, while 42% believe existing regulations are either sufficient or too restrictive. Among Republican voters, however, support for pro-gun policies remains strong, with over 70% favoring measures such as suppressor deregulation and expanded concealed carry rights.
As Trump’s administration moves forward with its Second Amendment agenda, the debate over gun rights and firearm regulations is poised to intensify. With major policy reversals on the table, the next few years could bring significant changes to America’s firearms landscape, setting the stage for a renewed national conversation on the balance between gun rights and public safety.
