Gun Rights Groups Oppose Potential Firearm Restrictions for Transgender Americans
DOJ statement on 'evaluating options' draws Second Amendment advocates' criticism
Second Amendment advocacy organizations have expressed opposition to reports suggesting the Department of Justice might be considering restrictions on firearm access for transgender Americans. The National Rifle Association released a statement affirming its support for Second Amendment rights for all law-abiding citizens and opposing any measures that would implement gun restrictions without due process. While POLITICO has not independently verified these reports, the DOJ did not explicitly deny the possibility when questioned.
When asked about the potential restrictions, President Trump declined to comment during an Oval Office event, redirecting focus to an executive order regarding the Department of Defense. The administration's relationship with gun rights has been complex, as Trump previously approved a bump stock ban during his first term that was later overturned by the Supreme Court. He had also previously expressed openness to assault weapons restrictions following mass shootings in 2018 and 2019.
KEY POINTS
- •NRA opposes reported transgender gun ban
- •Trump declined to comment on proposal
- •Gun groups warn of constitutional issues
Several gun rights organizations have urged the administration to avoid implementing new firearm restrictions. The National Association for Gun Rights advised federal agencies to focus on protecting Second Amendment rights rather than pursuing new limitations. Legal experts from Second Amendment advocacy groups have questioned the constitutionality of such restrictions, noting that federal law only permits removing firearms after a judicial determination of mental defectiveness.
Some firearm advocates expressed concern that any new restrictions could establish precedents for future administrations to implement broader gun control measures. Texas Gun Rights warned that government decisions about which Americans qualify for Second Amendment protections could enable future administrations to implement more extensive gun confiscation policies. The White House and Department of Justice had not responded to requests for comment on the reported considerations as of the article's publication.