Washington, D.C. — On Friday, February 7th, 2025, President Trump signed the first pro-Second Amendment Executive Order in our nation’s history, an action the ASA strongly applauds. This order effectively reverses the unconstitutional firearm restrictions imposed by the Biden administration and directs Attorney General Pam Bondi to conduct a comprehensive review of all executive actions, regulations, guidance, and policies implemented under the previous administration. By March 10th, 2025, the DOJ must present a plan to the President outlining steps to safeguard the Second Amendment rights of all Americans.
This follows a DOJ Memo dated February 5, 2025, by newly confirmed Attorney General Bondi which included the following policy changes regarding ATF resources:
“Shifting ATF Resources. To free resources to address more pressing priorities, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) shall shift resources from its Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement Programs to focus on matters relating to the other priorities set forth herein. No resources shall be diverted from the ATF's regulatory responsibilities, such as federal firearms licenses and background checks.”[emphasis added]
Of particular importance to ASA is the review’s focus on firearm transfer applications, which explicitly includes Form 4 applications for suppressors. This presents an opportunity for the DOJ and ATF to further reduce suppressor transfer wait times and establish lasting reforms to streamline the process.
Additionally, the order directs a review of the government’s legal positions in ongoing and potential litigation impacting Americans’ Second Amendment rights. This opens the door for the Administration to weigh in on cases such as the ASA-F and Silencer Shop-backed lawsuit challenging Illinois’ suppressor ban. Furthermore, the review includes an examination of firearm and ammunition classifications, providing an avenue to reassess past ATF rulings on suppressor parts that lack logical or legal justification.
The ASA is committed to working directly with the DOJ and the White House to ensure these critical issues remain at the forefront of the administration’s review. We will continue to advocate for meaningful reforms that protect and advance the rights of suppressor owners nationwide.
