Attorney General Pam Bondi launches Second Amendment Task Force to restore gun rights as the Trump administration takes decisive action against regulatory overreach on firearm ownership.
Key Takeaways
- The Trump administration has established a Second Amendment Task Force led by Attorney General Pam Bondi to protect gun owners’ rights against government overreach.
- The DOJ has already repealed the “zero tolerance policy” that imposed stricter regulations on licensed gun sellers during the previous administration.
- Task force initiatives include policy audits, coordination with state attorneys general, and litigation to defend constitutional gun rights.
- The effort represents a shift toward treating the Second Amendment with the same reverence as other constitutional rights, not as a “second-class right.”
- Critics argue the moves prioritize gun industry interests over public safety concerns.
Trump Administration Prioritizes Constitutional Gun Rights
The Department of Justice under President Trump’s second administration has established a Second Amendment Task Force aimed at protecting Americans’ firearm rights. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the initiative as part of broader efforts to reverse what the administration considers overreaching regulations imposed during the previous presidency. The task force will combine policy development, auditing, and litigation resources to advance a robust pro-gun agenda that treats Second Amendment protections as fundamental constitutional rights rather than secondary considerations.
The announcement follows the DOJ’s repeal of the Enhanced Regulatory Enforcement Policy, commonly known as the “zero tolerance policy,” which had implemented stricter criteria for licensed firearm dealers. This policy change signals the administration’s commitment to reducing what it views as unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles for law-abiding gun owners and sellers. The task force will include representatives from various Justice Department divisions to develop comprehensive strategies supporting Second Amendment compliance across federal agencies.
Attorney General Bondi's memo regarding the creation of a Second Amendment Enforcement Task Force: https://t.co/n8cXKKdj50 pic.twitter.com/vsGVBYTJeO
— Firearms Policy Coalition (@gunpolicy) April 9, 2025
Restoring Constitutional Protections
Attorney General Bondi has been clear about the administration’s position on gun rights, emphasizing that previous regulatory approaches diminished constitutional protections for firearm ownership. The task force represents a shift toward treating gun rights with the same level of protection as other constitutional guarantees. The Justice Department has indicated it will conduct thorough reviews of existing regulations affecting firearms, with particular attention to controversial Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) rules implemented during the previous administration.
The task force initiative has received strong support from pro-gun legislators and Second Amendment advocates. Representative Riley M. Moore (R-WV) publicly backed the move, highlighting the foundational importance of gun rights within America’s constitutional framework. The administration’s approach takes a strict constitutionalist view, arguing that the right to keep and bear arms serves as a safeguard for other individual liberties and requires robust protection against governmental infringement.
Specific Policy Targets and Coordination Efforts
Key focus areas for the Second Amendment Task Force include re-evaluating rules on firearm sales, AR-pistol stabilizer braces, and other regulations implemented during the previous administration. The task force will coordinate closely with state attorneys general on litigation strategies defending gun rights, creating a unified approach to challenging restrictions at multiple governmental levels. This coordination aims to ensure consistent constitutional protection for firearm ownership across all states, regardless of local political leanings.
Not everyone supports these policy changes. Gun safety advocacy groups have criticized both the task force creation and the zero-tolerance policy repeal. Critics argue these actions undermine accountability for problematic gun dealers and could potentially contribute to increased firearm-related crime. Some organizations have accused the administration of prioritizing gun industry interests above public safety concerns, though the DOJ maintains its approach balances constitutional rights with appropriate regulatory oversight.
Implementation and Long-term Strategy
The DOJ has begun assembling the task force with representatives from multiple divisions, including the Office of Legal Policy, Civil Rights Division, and Criminal Division. This cross-departmental approach aims to create comprehensive solutions addressing Second Amendment concerns throughout federal policy frameworks. The initiative represents a significant shift in federal enforcement practices regarding firearms, with potential long-term impacts on how gun ownership regulations are interpreted and implemented nationwide.
Through this task force, the Trump administration is sending a clear message about its stance on gun rights. By positioning the Second Amendment as a cornerstone constitutional right deserving vigorous protection, the administration is fulfilling campaign promises to gun owners and Second Amendment supporters who formed a significant part of the president’s political base. The coming months will reveal how effectively this initiative translates policy priorities into tangible changes for American gun owners.
Sources:
AG Pam Bondi announces Second Amendment Task Force to support gun rights
Trump DOJ Launches Second Amendment Task Force to Defend Gun Rights Nationwide
