The Trump administration moved to dismantle several high-profile firearm regulations on Wednesday, marking a significant shift in federal gun policy. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) will publish at least 34 rule changes, effectively rolling back restrictions established during the Biden presidency.
Central to the announcement is the repeal of the “stabilizing brace” rule and the “Engaged in the Business” regulation. The former had reclassified pistols equipped with stabilizing braces as short-barreled rifles, forcing owners to register them, pay a $200 tax, or destroy the components.
The latter, introduced in April 2024, sought to require more private sellers to obtain federal firearms licenses, though a federal judge had previously blocked its enforcement.
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Blanche stated that these changes align with a February 2025 executive order from President Donald Trump intended to streamline enforcement and respect the rights of lawful owners.
“For too long, regulations were written without any real understanding of how firearms businesses operate, how lawful gun owners actually handle their firearms or what truly improves public safety,” Blanche told reporters. He argued that clearer regulations would actually assist law enforcement by improving compliance.
The overhaul also addresses the legal definition of “machine gun.” This move follows a Supreme Court ruling that previously struck down a ban on bump stocks. By refining these definitions, the administration aims to move away from the “hostility toward gun owners” that characterized previous executive actions.
Advocates for the Second Amendment were quick to signal their approval. John Commerford, the executive director of the NRA-ILA, called the package a “monumental step forward” in protecting constitutional freedoms. He credited the administration for rolling back what he described as burdensome regulations that failed to enhance public safety.
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State officials also weighed in on the decision. Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen characterized the day as a “celebration for lawful gun owners,” asserting that the Second Amendment should not be treated as a “second-class right.”
Blanche emphasized that despite the deregulation, the Department of Justice remains focused on criminal activity. “Nothing we are doing today weakens law enforcement,” he said. “This administration, as it always has, remains fully committed to targeting those who break the law, gang members, repeat offenders, traffickers, and cartels.”
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