Justice Department Considers Easing Gun Regulations Amidst Push for Second Amendment Support

DOJ Reviews Potential Rollbacks of Firearm Regulations

The United States Justice Department (DOJ) is reportedly considering a significant loosening of various gun regulations, a move aimed at bolstering support from Second Amendment advocates. These potential changes could impact several aspects of firearm ownership and sales within the country.

Key Regulatory Adjustments Under Consideration

Among the specific regulatory adjustments reportedly under review by the Justice Department are measures that would:

• Ease restrictions on private gun sales.
• Loosen existing regulations concerning the shipping of firearms.
• Alter the types of firearms that can be imported into the U.S.
• Make federal gun licensing fees refundable.
• Change the form required for gun purchases to mandate applicants list their biological sex at birth, rather than simply 'sex'.

These proposed changes to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) regulations are currently being finalized.

Context and Administration's Stance

The consideration of these regulatory changes comes as the administration seeks to address concerns from gun rights groups. Officials had reportedly considered announcing some of these changes to coincide with the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) SHOT Show in Las Vegas, which commenced on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche is slated to speak at this annual event.

This review aligns with broader efforts by the administration, which has installed prominent gun rights advocates in senior political positions and has allied itself with conservative advocacy groups. Furthermore, the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) recently issued an opinion declaring a longstanding federal ban on mailing firearms through the U.S. Postal Service unconstitutional. This opinion, which stemmed from a lawsuit by the Gun Owners of America (GOA) and the Gun Owners Foundation (GOF), found no historical tradition to support such a ban on the transportation of Second Amendment-protected firearms. The administration has also reversed enforcement policies, including the ATF's 'zero-tolerance' dealer rule.

Ongoing Review and Potential Impact

The Justice Department's ongoing review highlights the administration's efforts to balance the concerns of Second Amendment advocates with existing law enforcement capabilities. While the changes are still being finalized, their implementation could significantly reshape the landscape of gun ownership and sales in the United States.