The Department of Justice under Trump is aligning itself with the gun control measures from the Biden administration, much to the dismay of Second Amendment advocates.
The DOJ plans to uphold Biden’s definition of “frame or receiver.” According to an email from Gun Owners of America, firearm kits often referred to as “ghost guns” will be regulated similarly to conventional firearms.
Aidan Johnston, the federal executive director of the American Gun Owners Association, commented, “During his campaign, Trump pledged to dismantle Biden’s ATF. Last week, the White House seemed to reinforce this commitment towards protecting gun owners rights.”
However, Johnston noted that major Biden-era ATF regulations—the Pistol Brace Prohibition Rule, the Business Engagement Rule, and the Frame and Receiver Rule—are now fully operational. “Gun owners feel let down, especially with the midterms approaching. Promises remain unfulfilled. We urge Trump to reform the DOJ and its gun policies, aligning them more closely with his campaign commitments.”
The DOJ has yet to respond to inquiries on this matter.
In a recent case, Vanderstock v. Blanchet, Justice Department lawyers indicated they would continue with the existing definitions of firearm parts despite previous discussions about re-evaluating them under Executive Order 14206, designed to safeguard Second Amendment rights.
In a tweet by America’s Gun Owners, it was highlighted that Trump’s DOJ has opted to uphold Biden’s stricter regulations on homemade firearms, which starkly contrasts with previous statements from the White House that framed the Biden rules as attacks on gun owners.
The Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) asserts that Trump’s executive order has amounted to little more than empty promises. They expressed disappointment at the DOJ’s passive stance following a dialogue about a complete draft rule designed to address a court ruling.
The frustrations from gun advocacy organizations stem from continuous opposition from the DOJ in court settings. Although a new Second Amendment rights division was established in December, skepticism remains. Still, the DOJ has taken some actions that received applause from advocacy groups, such as rescinding the Biden administration’s “zero tolerance” policy, which harshly penalized firearms dealers for minor infractions.
In addition, the DOJ backed initiatives in the Supreme Court that challenge Hawaii’s restrictions on concealed carry licenses.
Costas Moros, from the Second Amendment Foundation, pointed out that the frame and receiver rule is not a law that should typically be defended by the DOJ. It’s merely an administrative decision that could easily change with the next administration, indicating a sudden shift in approach within the DOJ.
