On February 7, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled “Protecting Second Amendment Rights” – his first major move to fulfill campaign promises of rolling back gun control measures.
The executive order directs Attorney General Pam Bondi to conduct a comprehensive review of firearm-related regulations, policies, and agency actions implemented between January 2021 and January 2025. The order also mandates a plan of action to protect gun rights moving forward.
While gun rights groups have welcomed the move, they are also making it clear: words on paper are not enough – action must follow.
A Plan to Reverse Past Gun Control Measures
According to the official White House fact sheet, Trump’s order aims to halt what it calls “federal infringement” on Second Amendment rights. The directive requires a review of all federal regulations, ATF classifications, and enforcement policies that may have restricted gun ownership.
This includes Biden-era executive actions and the controversial “zero tolerance” policy, which led to an increase in Federal Firearms License (FFL) revocations over minor paperwork errors.
A Monumental Win
The NRA-ILA (Institute for Legislative Action) quickly praised the order, calling it a “monumental win” and a step toward restoring gun rights. Doug Hamlin, NRA Executive Vice President and CEO, stated, “Promises made to law-abiding gun owners are being kept by President Donald J. Trump.” However, gun rights organizations aren’t content with just promises. They are now demanding swift and effective implementation.
Gun Owners of America: A Roadmap for Repealing Restrictions
Gun Owners of America (GOA) broke down the significance of Trump’s executive order in a video hosted by Tiffany Coutris. According to GOA, the order lays the groundwork for major reversals of gun control policies, but they insist the administration must follow through. Coutris emphasized that AG Bondi has just 30 days to present a report to the White House outlining her plan for action.
GOA is urging the administration to go beyond just reversing Biden’s policies. Their demands include revoking ATF rules on pistol braces, forced-reset triggers, and the redefinition of firearm frames and receivers—all of which they argue were implemented without Congressional approval. Coutris explained, “This is a great chance for [Bondi] to prove to gun owners that she supports the Second Amendment, and her previous gun control stances are a thing of the past.”
Guns & Gadgets Lists Top Priorities for Trump’s Next Moves
Gun rights advocate Jared Yanis, host of Guns & Gadgets 2nd Amendment News, provided his own list of 14 key items that need to happen for this order to have real impact. In his analysis, Yanis pointed out that while executive orders cannot repeal legislation like the National Firearms Act (NFA) or the Gun Control Act (GCA), the administration can take immediate action to halt ATF overreach, streamline firearms regulations, and eliminate government interference in the gun industry.
Among his top priorities:
- Repealing Biden’s Executive Order 1492, which expanded universal background checks.
- Overturning the ATF’s “Zero Tolerance” policy, which has been used to shut down gun shops.
- Ending the de-banking of gun manufacturers, a practice where financial institutions refuse to do business with firearms companies.
- Eliminating the ATF’s firearm registry, which currently holds nearly 1 billion digital records on gun purchases.
- Streamlining National Firearms Act (NFA) processes, potentially allowing same-day approval for suppressor purchases instead of months-long wait times.
The NRA’s Role in the Fight for Gun Rights
The NRA-ILA has also weighed in, highlighting how Trump’s executive order could lead to policy shifts in litigation, firearm classifications, and federal approvals for gun manufacturing and exportation. The organization’s John Commerford noted that the order is designed not only to undo past restrictions but also to “enhance firearm rights” through proactive measures like reducing wait times for ATF paperwork and challenging restrictive interpretations of federal gun laws.
Despite praising Trump’s order, the NRA made it clear that it expects results. “After a long four years, law-abiding gun owners no longer have to worry about being the target of an anti-gun radical administration,” Commerford said. The organization promised to hold Trump accountable for ensuring the order leads to concrete changes in federal gun policy.
Pam Bondi Faces Scrutiny as Attorney General
While many gun advocates are celebrating the executive order, there are also concerns about the person tasked with executing it – Attorney General Pam Bondi. Bondi, who previously served as Florida’s Attorney General, has a mixed history on gun rights. While she has opposed assault weapons bans, she has also supported red flag laws, which allow authorities to temporarily confiscate firearms from individuals deemed a threat.
Jared Yanis of Guns & Gadgets noted that Bondi now has a chance to prove where she really stands on gun rights. Many gun owners remain skeptical and want to see clear actions, not just promises. The next 30 days will be critical in determining whether Bondi follows through with Trump’s directive or takes a more cautious approach.
Could This Lead to an ATF Shake-Up?
One of the biggest open questions is whether Trump’s executive order will lead to a leadership shake-up at the ATF. GOA and other gun rights advocates are urging the administration to appoint a pro-gun ATF director who will rein in the agency’s history of inconsistent rulemaking. Some names being floated include former ATF agent Dan O’Kelly, known for criticizing ATF overreach.
GOA’s Tiffany Coutris argued that the ATF should focus on stopping illegal gun trafficking rather than targeting law-abiding gun owners and businesses. She added that if Trump is serious about fixing the ATF, he must clean house and ensure the agency respects the Second Amendment.
Will Federal Support for Red Flag Laws Be Cut?
Another major policy issue in the spotlight is federal funding for red flag laws. Under the Biden administration, millions of dollars were allocated to incentivize states to pass and enforce red flag gun confiscation laws. Gun rights groups, including GOA and the NRA, want Trump to immediately cut off this funding.
Coutris pointed out that the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act – which helped fund red flag laws – could be significantly weakened or defunded through executive action. However, completely eliminating federal red flag policies would require Congressional approval, making it a tougher battle.
The Clock is Ticking: What Comes Next?
With just 30 days for Attorney General Bondi to submit her report, gun rights groups are urging their members to stay engaged and pressure the administration for results. Gun Owners of America, the NRA, and Guns & Gadgets have all encouraged gun owners to contact the White House, post on social media, and call their representatives to demand follow-through on Trump’s promises.
Jared Yanis summed up the urgency: “If we don’t hold them accountable, this will be nothing more than words on paper. We have a chance to roll back years of government overreach, but we need to act fast.”
A Defining Moment for Gun Rights
This executive order has set the stage for what could be one of the most significant shifts in gun policy in recent history. However, as GOA, the NRA, and independent gun rights activists have pointed out, the fight isn’t over until action is taken. The next few weeks will reveal whether Trump’s administration is serious about protecting the Second Amendment—or if this executive order will become just another forgotten campaign promise.
One thing is certain: gun owners across America will be watching closely.
A former park ranger and wildlife conservationist, Lisa’s passion for survival started with her deep connection to nature. Raised on a small farm in northern Wisconsin, she learned how to grow her own food, raise livestock, and live off the land. Lisa is our dedicated Second Amendment news writer and also focuses on homesteading, natural remedies, and survival strategies. Lisa aims to help others live more sustainably and prepare for the unexpected.