Trump Administration Lets Parts of the National Firearms Act Lapse
NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-08-12 23:07:00 — www.nytimes.com
Trump Administration Allows Key Gun Control Restrictions to Lapse After Pressure from Gun Advocates
The Trump administration has allowed a major Prohibition-era gun control measure to lapse under judicial scrutiny, following a court ruling that struck down longstanding restrictions on owning short-barreled guns and suppressors. This move comes after President Trump signed a law last year that weakened the National Firearms Act by removing a $200 tax required for permits, a change that ultimately triggered the downfall of the law’s regulatory framework.
Trump’s Legislative Actions and Administration’s Response
After President Trump’s spending bill eliminated the tax, gun rights groups and gun businesses—many of which had supported the lawsuit—celebrated the overturning of the law. The Trump administration, which had previously argued that Congress retained the authority to restrict particularly dangerous and easily concealable weapons, did not file an appeal before the court’s deadline. This effectively allowed Judge James Wesley Hendrix’s order to go into effect, striking down the mandated permitting process as unconstitutional.
The Justice Department, in an unsigned statement, said it “respects Americans’ Second Amendment rights and is currently assessing the impact of the court’s ruling,” but did not explain its decision not to immediately appeal. The administration has another 52 days to file an appeal, but for now, the regulatory provisions that had been in place since 1934 have been dismantled.
Criticism and Fallout
Groups supporting gun restrictions sharply criticized the Trump administration’s inaction, arguing that the ruling deregulated dangerous, easily concealable firearms and accessories that had been restricted for nearly a century. Kris Brown, president of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, stated, “The Department of Justice had the opportunity to act to protect our safety, but it failed to do so,” highlighting the influence of Republican lawmakers and the gun industry.
Meanwhile, gun stores have announced plans to begin selling suppressors without the previously required permitting process, though buyers will still need to complete standard background checks and comply with state laws.
Conclusion
President Trump’s legislative actions and his administration’s decision not to immediately appeal the court ruling have led to the effective dismantling of a key gun control measure. While gun rights advocates have celebrated the decision, critics warn that Americans are now less safe due to the deregulation of weapons long considered particularly suited for violent crime. The administration’s retreat on this issue underscores the ongoing national debate over gun control and the balance between Second Amendment rights and public safety.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/13/us/politics/national-firearms-act-gun-control-doj.html