Shocking new reports suggest the Department of Justice (DOJ) is quietly discussing new federal restrictions on gun ownership for certain Americans — sparking outrage among gun rights groups and raising serious questions about President Donald Trump’s Second Amendment legacy.
If true, these talks could reshape America’s gun laws, igniting a fierce battle over constitutional rights just as Trump campaigns to solidify his place as the most pro-gun president in U.S. history.
Gun Rights Groups Sound the Alarm
The National Rifle Association (NRA) wasted no time blasting the rumors, warning of a slippery slope toward government overreach.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, the NRA declared:
“The NRA supports the Second Amendment rights of every law-abiding American to purchase and own firearms. We will never back any sweeping gun bans that arbitrarily strip citizens of their constitutional rights without due process.”
For many conservatives, this is a line in the sand — any move by the DOJ to restrict firearms ownership could threaten core American freedoms.
White House Responds: ‘Preliminary Discussions’ Only
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt attempted to calm fears, describing the talks as nothing more than “very preliminary, low-level discussions.”
“This is far too early in the process to consider an actual policy decision,” Leavitt told reporters on Tuesday.
However, sources inside the DOJ revealed to Fox News that these conversations involve the Office of Legal Counsel, which provides legal advice to the executive branch.
If the idea advances, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) — a frequent source of tension for gun owners — would almost certainly play a major role.
Trump’s Complicated History With Gun Rights
President Trump has spent years presenting himself as a defender of the Second Amendment, especially on the campaign trail. Yet his record shows a complex and sometimes contradictory relationship with gun rights.
- 2018 Parkland Shooting: Trump shocked conservatives when he briefly supported raising the minimum rifle purchase age to 21 and even suggested “taking guns first, due process second.” He later walked back those comments after pressure from gun rights groups.
- Background Checks Debate: After mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton, Trump hinted at supporting stronger background checks, but ultimately reversed course following NRA opposition.
- 2024 Campaign Promise: By his most recent run for office, Trump vowed to become the “most pro-gun president ever,” pledging to roll back Biden-era gun control measures and protect gun owners from what he described as an “assault” by the Biden-Harris administration.
How Trump’s Views Have Changed Over Time
Trump’s positions on guns have shifted dramatically over the decades.
- In 2000, his book The America We Deserve supported an assault weapons ban and mandatory waiting periods for firearm purchases.
- By 2015, ahead of his first presidential campaign, Trump reversed course in Crippled America, arguing that waiting periods “accomplished very little” and only created burdensome government regulations.
These later positions helped him secure the NRA’s endorsement in 2016, which he has received in every election since.
At the NRA’s annual meeting earlier this year, Trump urged gun owners to turn out in record numbers, saying:
“We need every gun owner to show up at the polls. You’ve always been an independent, rebellious group — now let’s channel that spirit into voting this year.”
Why This Matters Now
The possibility of DOJ-backed restrictions has created intense concern among conservatives, especially given Trump’s evolving history on this issue.
For millions of Americans, this isn’t just about policy — it’s about preserving the core freedoms that define the United States.
With the 2026 midterms approaching and Trump’s legacy on the line, this debate could determine the future of gun rights for generations to come.
Bottom Line
While the DOJ insists these discussions are preliminary, the mere suggestion of limiting firearms rights has sparked a firestorm among Second Amendment supporters.
Conservatives are watching closely — and preparing to fight back — to ensure that law-abiding citizens never lose their right to protect themselves, their families, and their communities.