Advocates for gun violence prevention are raising alarms over a reported plan by the Trump administration to eliminate a stringent enforcement policy concerning firearm sellers. This “zero tolerance” approach was established to crack down on sellers who violate safety regulations, particularly those contributing to community endangerment.

Details of the Proposed Change

Attorney General Pam Bondi is anticipated to announce the reversal of current guidelines set by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). These guidelines were implemented under the Biden administration to ensure accountability among firearm sellers who falsify records or neglect background checks, thus preventing firearms from reaching individuals who may pose a risk to others or themselves.

According to reports from The New York Times, President Trump intends to instruct FBI Director Kash Patel to pursue the removal of restrictions surrounding the use of pistol braces and to repeal rules mandating background checks for private gun sales.

Impact of the Proposed Policy Change

Gun violence prevention advocates are concerned that the official repeal of these regulations will empower negligent gun sellers. Emma Brown, the executive director of Giffords, stated, “The impact here is simple: Putting gun dealers who break the law back in business will increase crime.” She emphasized that these changes would likely lead to heightened criminal activity, particularly involving illicit firearms.

Under the Biden administration, enforcement measures led to the revocation of 170 firearm seller licenses, dramatically more than in the previous three years. The Giffords organization warns that the impending policy reversal will enable unlawful firearm transactions, exacerbating the problem of illegal guns in communities.

Concerns from Gun Violence Prevention Organizations

The Brady organization has criticized the proposed repeal as a “gift to the gun industry,” implying that this move could lead to a significant uptick in gun-related crimes. Kris Brown, the president of Brady, noted, “90% of crime guns come from just 5% of dealers,” and described the administration’s actions as a way of granting immunity to irresponsible sellers.

“This administration is systematically dismantling the safeguards designed to keep weapons out of dangerous hands,” said Brown. “These aren’t just policy changes—they’re deliberate choices that prioritize gun industry profits over American lives.”