Reports indicate that the Justice Department is contemplating new limitations on gun ownership for transgender individuals, which has raised concerns among gun rights advocates and brought President Donald Trump’s stance on the Second Amendment into focus again.
Over the past two decades, Trump’s perspective on American gun rights has evolved, reflecting a complex and at times contradictory relationship with advocates of gun rights who generally support him.
Last week, the National Rifle Association expressed discontent over these reports, stating that their members “purchase and use firearms in support of the Second Amendment for Americans who comply with all laws.” They emphasized that they will not back any policies that might unjustly strip law-abiding citizens of their rights.
Attorney General Pam Bondi has promised to restore the Department of Justice to its “core functions,” deeming any such restrictions as a form of “weaponization.” Meanwhile, it’s still unclear if the Trump administration will proceed with these restrictions, as officials from the Justice Department highlighted debates without making any formal moves.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt noted that discussions within the Department of Justice are still in the “very preliminary” phase, indicating it was too soon for heavy decisions.
Sources mentioned that the discussions about restricting transgender individuals from acquiring firearms are being reviewed by the Office of Legal Advisors, which provides legal guidance to the DOJ. They are assessing what legal frameworks might make such measures feasible.
This topic likely also includes the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, which operates under the DOJ and manages federal regulations related to firearms.
Trump’s previous campaigning for the 2016 and 2024 elections positioned him as a staunch supporter of the Second Amendment. Yet, during his first term, he often avoided aligning fully with gun rights advocates, particularly regarding past comments on ATF policies and universal background checks in light of multiple mass shootings.
Following the 2018 Parkland shooting, for instance, Trump suggested considering raising the minimum age for purchasing rifles to 21. He made comments tying gun ownership to concerns for safety but later reversed that position. Similarly, he indicated support for stricter background checks after other tragic events yet faced pressure from the NRA and conservative factions, leading him to withdraw those proposals.
As he campaigns for a second term, Trump has branded himself as “the most pro-gun president ever,” signaling a noticeable shift in his attitudes toward the Second Amendment compared to his views from earlier decades.
In a 2000 book, Trump suggested banning certain “assault weapons” and advocated for waiting periods for purchases. He remarked that Democrats often want to confiscate guns, leaving law-abiding citizens defenseless, while Republicans typically align with NRA views by opposing limitations.
In another publication from 2015, Trump’s stance shifted again during the Republican primary, where he advocated less regulation, dismissing his earlier support for waiting periods as “a little achievement” while maintaining a strong emphasis on the Second Amendment. He reinforced the need for gun owners’ voices to be heard—especially as elections approach—urging them to rally against Biden-era restrictions that he claims could jeopardize their rights.
At a recent NRA meeting, he encouraged gun owners to exercise their voting power, insisting that their rights would be “under siege” if the current administration is permitted to continue its policies.
