WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a major policy shift, Attorney General Pamela Bondi announced the creation of a Second Amendment Enforcement Task Force at the Department of Justice, signaling a significant realignment of federal priorities regarding gun rights and regulatory enforcement.
Bondi stated that the new task force will focus on reversing what she described as “undue burdens” placed on law-abiding gun owners and vendors by the previous administration. “The Department of Justice’s new 2nd Amendment Task Force will combine department-wide policy and litigation resources to advance President Trump’s pro-gun agenda and protect gun owners from overreach,” Bondi said in a press release issued Wednesday.
This move follows Monday’s joint announcement by the DOJ and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) repealing the Enhanced Regulatory Enforcement Policy, commonly referred to as the “Zero Tolerance Policy.” Introduced in 2021, the policy had implemented stricter compliance measures for Federal Firearms License (FFL) holders, often resulting in license revocations for minor infractions.
As part of the task force’s broader mission, DOJ and ATF have also begun a formal review of two controversial rules:
- Final Rule 2021R-08F, which reclassified many pistols equipped with stabilizing braces as short-barreled rifles, thereby subjecting them to more stringent NFA regulations.
- Final Rule 2022R-17F, which redefined what constitutes being “engaged in the business” of dealing firearms — a rule critics say blurred the lines for private sellers and created legal uncertainties.
“These steps mark a pivotal turn toward restoring fairness and clarity in firearms regulation,” said Acting ATF Director Kash Patel. “We are committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure our policies are balanced, constitutional, and protective of Americans’ Second Amendment rights.”
According to the DOJ’s internal memorandum, the newly formed task force will be chaired by the Attorney General and composed of high-level representatives across multiple DOJ divisions and agencies, including the ATF and FBI. The task force is tasked with developing and executing legal and policy strategies to ensure all federal actions are in alignment with the constitutional protections of the Second Amendment.
The initiative is part of the DOJ’s implementation of Executive Order 14206, which directs federal agencies to safeguard Second Amendment rights as a priority. Bondi emphasized that the Second Amendment is not a “second-class right” and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to protecting lawful gun ownership across the country.
The review process for the stabilizing brace rule and firearm dealer definition will involve consultations with industry experts, legal scholars, and gun rights organizations. Further updates on the task force’s actions and any potential regulatory changes are expected in the coming months.
The formation of this task force reflects a growing emphasis on defending the rights of responsible gun owners at the federal level. By reevaluating previous rules and removing overreaching enforcement policies, the DOJ is taking steps to ensure that federal firearms laws are applied fairly and in accordance with constitutional principles. Law-abiding citizens should not face regulatory uncertainty or punitive action for exercising their Second Amendment rights.
