The Trump administration has officially ended the ATF’s controversial “zero tolerance” policy, marking a decisive victory for Second Amendment rights and delivering a significant blow to Biden-era gun control measures.
Key Takeaways
- President Trump’s Department of Justice has repealed the “zero tolerance” policy that revoked licenses from gun dealers for minor paperwork violations
- Under the Biden-era policy, over 1,000 dealers were cited for violations, with 642 licenses revoked or surrendered since June 2021
- Gun rights organizations, including Gun Owners of America and the National Shooting Sports Foundation, praised the repeal as a major Second Amendment victory
- Attorney General Pam Bondi and Acting ATF Director Kash Patel are leading this regulatory shift to align with constitutional principles
- Future changes may include preventing the ATF from rewriting gun laws and ending restrictions on importing semi-automatic long guns
Trump Administration Delivers Major Second Amendment Victory
In a significant win for gun rights advocates, the Department of Justice under President Trump has formally repealed the Federal Firearms Administrative Action Policy, commonly known as the “zero tolerance” policy. This Biden administration initiative, launched in June 2021, had targeted firearms dealers for violations ranging from paperwork errors to more serious infractions, resulting in hundreds of revoked licenses. The policy’s elimination represents a clear shift in the federal approach to firearms regulation, prioritizing Second Amendment protections over what many conservatives viewed as excessive bureaucratic oversight.
“For years, the Zero Tolerance Policy has been a tool of political retribution, targeting gun stores and Americans who were simply trying to exercise their rights. We applaud President Trump, Attorney General Bondi, and Director Kash Patel for listening to gun owners and taking action to repeal this abusive policy. This is what pro-gun leadership looks like,” said Erich Pratt, Senior Vice President of Gun Owners of America.
Impact of Biden’s Zero Tolerance Approach
The now-rescinded policy had significant consequences for firearms dealers across the country. Data shows that during its implementation, over 1,000 dealers were cited for serious violations, with 642 licenses either revoked by the ATF or voluntarily surrendered. The National Shooting Sports Foundation and other gun rights groups vehemently opposed the measure, describing it as “a blunt instrument to hobble the firearm industry” that penalized dealers for “minor infractions,” according to gun groups like the NSSF.
Despite the ATF’s increased inspection rate under Biden’s directive, only a fraction of Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) ultimately lost their licenses—approximately 0.14% annually. However, for the conservative firearms community, any government-imposed restriction was viewed as an encroachment on constitutional rights rather than a proportionate response to legitimate public safety concerns.
The Trump administration’s so-called DOGE agency is scrapping over 50 ATF rules, making it easier for gun traffickers and violent criminals to slip through the cracks. From Prince George’s County to every corner of the country, we need stronger enforcement—not weaker rules.… pic.twitter.com/Oz86CZ6zD2
— Rep. Glenn Ivey (@RepGlennIvey) June 27, 2025
DOGE’s Potential Role in Reshaping ATF Policy
Looking forward, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is positioned to play a crucial role in restructuring the ATF’s approach to firearms regulation. Conservative advocacy groups have suggested several actions for the Trump administration, including signing executive actions that would prevent the ATF from rewriting gun-control laws, emphasizing that lawmaking authority belongs exclusively to Congress. Additional recommendations include revoking specific ATF rules regarding “frame or receiver,” “engaged in the business,” and “arm-brace” classifications.
“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,” said Aidan Johnston, Director of Federal Affairs for Gun Owners of America.
Balancing Rights and Responsibilities
The Trump administration’s approach to gun regulation reflects a fundamental conservative principle: that constitutional rights should not be infringed by bureaucratic overreach. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Acting ATF and FBI Director Kash Patel are leading this shift away from what many conservatives saw as the Biden administration’s hostile stance toward lawful gun owners and dealers. This regulatory realignment demonstrates the administration’s commitment to treating law-abiding gun owners with respect while maintaining focus on actual criminal activity rather than paperwork violations.
Gun Owners of America, which filed federal lawsuits against the ATF under the previous administration, has expressed satisfaction with the policy change. The organization views this repeal as just the beginning of a broader restoration of Second Amendment rights that were constrained during the previous administration. For conservatives who value constitutional freedoms, these changes represent not just a policy shift but a return to the foundational principles of limited government and individual liberty that are central to American identity.
