The Trump administration is proposing significant changes to firearm regulations, which include allowing Americans to ship handguns through the mail and modifying background check requirements established during the Biden administration. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has introduced nearly three dozen proposed rules aimed at reducing regulatory burdens on gun owners. Critics, including gun violence prevention advocates, express concern that these changes may lead to increased gun violence and reduced public safety.
In April 2026, the ATF announced its plans to modernize regulations, which include easing restrictions on the transportation of firearms and removing certain mandates for licensed sellers. The U.S. Postal Service is also considering allowing handgun shipments under the same rules as rifles and shotguns, following a legal opinion that deemed the existing ban unconstitutional.
Supporters of the changes, including representatives from the gun industry, argue that they will benefit law-abiding gun owners. However, opponents warn that these rollbacks could facilitate illegal gun trafficking and increase the risk of firearms being stolen. The full impact of these proposed changes remains uncertain, with some experts predicting they could lead to a significant increase in gun violence.
