By Blessing Nweke
The U.S. Justice Department on Wednesday announced sweeping changes to federal gun regulations, marking a significant policy shift backed by Second Amendment advocates aligned with President Donald Trump’s political base.
The move includes more than 30 proposed revisions, highlighted by plans to repeal a 2024 rule introduced under the Biden administration. That rule had aimed to require more firearms dealers—particularly those operating at gun shows or outside traditional storefronts—to conduct background checks on buyers. It was designed to close the so-called “gun show loophole,” which allowed some unlicensed sellers to avoid vetting purchasers.
Gun rights groups and several Republican-led states had challenged the regulation in court, arguing it overstepped executive authority and infringed on constitutional protections. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche described the new package as the most comprehensive reform effort in the history of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), saying it aligns federal rules with recent Supreme Court precedent.
“For too long, regulations were written without understanding how firearms businesses operate or what truly improves public safety,” Blanche said.
However, gun control advocates strongly criticized the changes, warning they could increase risks to public safety. The announcement came just days after a reported attempted attack at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, intensifying concerns about gun violence.
John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety, accused the administration of weakening safeguards. “This move guts common sense gun laws and undermines efforts to keep weapons out of dangerous hands,” he said.
The changes follow the Senate confirmation of Robert Cekada as ATF director, only the third confirmed leader since 2006. Blanche expressed confidence in Cekada’s leadership, citing his experience within the agency and commitment to combating illegal firearms trafficking.
Original article
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