On February 7, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order titled “Protecting Second Amendment Rights,” initiating a comprehensive review of federal actions from January 2021 through January 2025 that may have affected Americans’ constitutional right to keep and bear arms. This directive assigns Attorney General Pam Bondi the responsibility of identifying regulations and executive actions that may have imposed restrictions on firearm ownership or placed undue burdens on law-abiding citizens. The review encompasses presidential orders, Department of Justice and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) rulings, and firearm classifications that may have expanded federal oversight beyond constitutional limits.
The executive order emphasizes the foundational role of the Second Amendment in maintaining security and liberty in the United States. It asserts that federal agencies lack the authority to impose firearm restrictions beyond what is explicitly stated in law. The order directs the Attorney General to assess all executive orders, regulations, guidance, and policies enacted by federal agencies during the specified period that may have imposed undue restrictions on lawful gun ownership. Particular attention is given to rules issued by the ATF, including firearm classifications and licensing requirements for gun dealers. The Attorney General is also tasked with evaluating ongoing or potential legal challenges related to firearm regulations and reviewing reports issued by the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention.
Following this review, the Attorney General is required to collaborate with the Domestic Policy Advisor to finalize and implement a corrective action plan. This plan aims to ensure that federal policies align with the Second Amendment and do not infringe on the rights of law-abiding Americans. The National Rifle Association (NRA) has expressed strong support for this executive order. Doug Hamlin, NRA Executive Vice President and CEO, stated, “Promises made to law-abiding gun owners are being kept by President Donald J. Trump.” The NRA views this order as a significant step toward restoring the full protections of the right to keep and bear arms for the American people.
The National Association for Gun Rights (NAGR) also commended the executive order, highlighting its mandate for a full review of executive actions, regulations, and enforcement measures that have burdened law-abiding gun owners and the firearms industry. NAGR President Dudley Brown remarked, “For the past four years, unelected bureaucrats and anti-gun politicians have waged war on the Second Amendment—this Executive Order puts them on notice.” The order’s directive for a comprehensive audit of executive actions taken from January 2021 through January 2025, including regulations issued by the ATF and other federal agencies, is seen as a necessary step to undo previous restrictions.
The executive order also addresses the ATF’s “zero tolerance” or “enhanced regulatory enforcement policy” implemented under the previous administration. This policy led to a significant increase in enforcement actions against Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs), many of whom are small business owners who made paperwork errors. The order directs a review of such policies to ensure they do not impose undue burdens on law-abiding citizens and businesses. Additionally, the order calls for an examination of the federal processing of applications for the making, manufacturing, transfer, or export of firearms to identify and eliminate unnecessary delays or obstacles.
While the executive order has been lauded by gun rights organizations, it also raises considerations regarding the implementation of its directives. The comprehensive review and subsequent corrective actions will require significant resources and coordination among federal agencies. Ensuring that the review is thorough and that any resulting policy changes are effectively implemented may necessitate additional staffing and funding. Moreover, the process of identifying and reversing regulations deemed to infringe upon Second Amendment rights could be complex, given the breadth of actions taken over the specified period.
The executive order represents a decisive move to reinforce Second Amendment protections and address concerns raised by gun rights advocates. The administration’s commitment to this initiative is evident in the swift action taken to initiate the review process. As the Attorney General and other federal agencies undertake this comprehensive assessment, it is anticipated that the resulting policy changes will align federal regulations with constitutional principles. While the process may involve challenges and require time to fully implement, the administration’s dedication to upholding the Second Amendment remains clear. With continued effort and appropriate resources, the objectives outlined in the executive order are expected to be achieved, ensuring that the rights of law-abiding Americans are preserved.
—
Mark Davis writes on constitutional rights, firearms legislation, and state-level legal trends. A graduate of Liberty University with a background in legal research, he has reported on gun rights cases from state courts to the Supreme Court. Before journalism, he worked with a constitutional law nonprofit focused on Second Amendment litigation.