Donald Trump has instructed Attorney General Pam Bondi to review the gun regulations put into place during the Biden administration. This directive could potentially lead to significant changes in the nation’s current gun laws.
The review is focused on several policies that Biden introduced to tighten gun control, particularly following high-profile shootings that fueled calls for stricter regulations.
One of the key areas under examination is the expansion of background checks, particularly for buyers under the age of 21.
Another major policy being scrutinized is the increase in funding for red flag laws, which allow law enforcement to confiscate firearms from individuals who are considered to be a threat to themselves or others.
Trump’s stance on gun rights largely mirrors the policies of his first administration, which rolled back some of the restrictions that had been put in place by his predecessor, Barack Obama.
Proponents of the review argue that it could undo many of Biden’s reforms, which they believe restrict Americans’ Second Amendment rights.
One of the most contentious measures from the Biden administration has been the push for expanded background checks. This policy seeks to close what some call the “gun show loophole.”
Gun rights advocates argue that these expanded checks for young buyers are overly restrictive and infringe upon individual freedoms. They contend that background checks alone are not effective in preventing gun violence.
Another key issue under review is the red flag law funding, which has been seen as a controversial step in preemptively removing firearms from individuals without a criminal conviction.
While red flag laws aim to prevent potential harm by temporarily removing weapons from people deemed dangerous, critics argue that they violate due process and could be used to unjustly target gun owners.
The review also comes at a time when the political divide over gun rights and gun control continues to deepen. Gun control advocates support the reforms, believing they will save lives by reducing access to firearms for those who should not possess them.
In contrast, many conservatives and gun rights groups insist that any form of gun regulation is a slippery slope toward further infringements on constitutional freedoms.
A related piece of legislation that has gained traction is the Hearing Protection Act (HPA), which aims to deregulate firearm suppressors. This would make it easier for gun owners to purchase these devices without the restrictions currently in place.
Supporters of the HPA argue that suppressors are beneficial for both the shooter and those nearby, reducing the risk of hearing damage and minimizing the noise produced by gunfire.
Critics of the HPA, however, warn that deregulating suppressors could pose a danger to public safety. They fear that it could make it harder for law enforcement to detect gunfire in urban areas, potentially complicating response efforts.