Firearms industry trade groups and Second Amendment advocates on Monday welcomed the news that some of the more onerous Biden-era gun restrictions may be circling the drain.
The Firearms Policy Coalition, Gun Owners of America, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, and the National Rifle Association this week all reported that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives intends to take a look at several controversial anti-2A policies.
The first to be repealed would be the Federal Firearms Administrative Action Policy, adopted in June 2021 by then-President Biden and U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland. Better known as the FFL Zero Tolerance Policy, the program saw a dramatic jump in revocations of federal firearms licenses, often for reportedly minor paperwork infractions.
For reference, in 2021, the ATF revoked only five FFLs. This figure climbed to 88 in 2022, 157 in 2023, and 147 in 2024. Over the same period, voluntary surrenders of FFLs after an inspection tripled from 24 in 2021 to 74 in 2024.
Going past the Zero Tolerance policy, the administration is also reportedly reviewing and revisiting the Biden "Pistol Brace Ban" rule, which deemed handguns with installed stabilizing pistol braces to be illegal short-barreled rifles, and the "Engaged in the Business" rule, which aimed to criminalize the face-to-face sale of personally owned firearms.
These are selected statements from the pro-gun groups:
FPC President Brandon Combs said: "On behalf of our members, we commend and thank President Trump, Attorney General Bondi, and ATF Director Patel for taking these important actions to protect constitutional rights and repeal the misguided 'Zero Tolerance Policy' implemented by their predecessors."
Aidan Johnston, Director of Federal Affairs for Gun Owners of America, said: "Under President Trump’s leadership, we’re seeing a realignment toward the Constitution. This repeal and regulatory review of ATF’s 'Zero Tolerance' Policy sends a clear message that the era of Biden gun control is over. GOA is grateful for the administration’s commitment to restoring Second Amendment rights and standing with law-abiding gun owners nationwide."
Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel: "Former President Joe Biden infamously deemed the lawful firearm industry 'the enemy' from the presidential debate stage. During the Biden administration, ATF revoked ever-increasing numbers of FFL licenses each year. In addition, reports indicate that numerous FFLs voluntarily surrendered their licenses rather than endure the costly and painstaking process of clearing their name for the minor infractions."
John Commerford, NRA-ILA Executive Director: "The NRA applauds Attorney General Bondi and Acting ATF Director Patel for repealing the misguided 'Zero Tolerance' Policy instituted by the Biden administration, Targeting lawful firearms dealers over minor clerical errors was a direct attack on the firearms industry and commerce protected by the Constitution. This reversal is another example of the Trump administration's commitment to protecting and strengthening the Second Amendment rights of peaceable Americans. We look forward to the ATF's work to formally repeal the rules that expanded the definition of who is a firearms dealer and regulated stabilizing braces."
