Donald Trump on Gun Control Policy
Donald Trump views gun control policy primarily through the lens of defending the Second Amendment as a foundational, God-given right essential for American security and freedom.
In his second term starting in 2025, President Trump has prioritized dismantling federal gun control measures, aiming to reverse regulations and advance deregulation. A central legislative goal for his administration is the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, which seeks to mandate that all states recognize concealed carry permits issued by any other state.
Trump often boasts that he “did nothing” to restrict guns during his first term, though he did approve a bump-stock ban following the 2017 Las Vegas shooting. His current campaign rhetoric emphasizes that under his leadership, “no one will lay a finger on your firearms,” reinforcing his commitment to staunchly protecting law-abiding gun owners.
Context
Donald Trump's position on gun control policy is a cornerstone of his appeal to his conservative base and organizations like the NRA.
As a powerful political figure, his stance heavily influences Republican legislative priorities and judicial appointments, particularly concerning the interpretation of the Second Amendment.
Timeline
- As president, Trump supported providing concealed carry permits for teachers or retired military personnel on campus following the Parkland shooting, and his administration banned bump stocks.
- After the Parkland shooting, Trump stated his administration would work on raising the minimum age for commercial gun sales to 21 and suggested supporting expanded federal background check laws.
- Trump threatened to veto two House bills that would have implemented sweeping universal background checks, signaling a firm opposition to broad new federal restrictions.
- Addressed the NRA shortly after the Uvalde mass shooting, reaffirming his dedication to defending gun owners.
- On the campaign trail, Trump repeatedly claimed he “did nothing” to restrict guns during his first term and promised that “no one will lay a finger on your firearms.”
- Upon taking office, President Trump began actively dismantling existing federal gun control regulations and promoted the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act.
Actions Taken
- Regulatory ActionApproved a ban on bump stocks, devices that increase the firing rate of semi-automatic weapons, following the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting.
- Regulatory ReversalSigned a bill that rolled back an Obama-era regulation making it more difficult for people with certain mental illnesses to purchase a gun shortly after taking office.
- Executive OrderDirected the Department of Justice (DOJ) to review and dismantle safety measures enacted by the Biden Administration, including those regulating ghost guns.
- Regulatory ReversalThe administration announced the end of the ATF’s “Zero Tolerance” Policy, which aimed to revoke licenses from gun dealers who willfully violated federal law, reducing oversight of gun dealers.
- Administrative DismantlingThe administration eliminated the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention and revoked a Surgeon General's advisory that had labeled gun violence a public health crisis.
Key Quotes
no one will lay a finger on your firearms.
So long as I am President, I will always protect your Second Amendment rights to keep and bear arms.
believes that every American has a God-given right to protect themselves and their family and has proven through his actions that he will defend law-abiding gun owners.
did nothing to restrict guns
Criticism
The Trump administration's actions jeopardize public safety by making it easier for domestic abusers and felons to access guns and by dismantling critical public health infrastructure.
He faced opposition from some Second Amendment activists when he reiterated support for red flag laws and stronger background checks after the 2019 mass shootings.
The organization noted that Trump had 'a few moments of poor judgment with his words' during his first term by publicly supporting constitutionally problematic gun control policies like raising the age limit to 21.