We live in a time where the political stars have aligned – Second Amendment supporters control the White House, the House of Representatives, and the Senate. Yet for gun owners across America, the most obvious question remains: why haven’t Biden-era gun control rules been repealed? The answer might lie with the Department of Justice under Attorney General Pam Bondi, whose recent actions are raising more questions than delivering answers.
While the administration talks a good game about defending the Constitution, many are wondering why these anti-gun rules are still on the books. After all, the tools to repeal them exist. The power is there. So, what’s the holdup?
A Task Force or a Stall?
Attorney General Bondi recently announced a new Second Amendment task force alongside another review of federal gun control policies enacted under the previous administration. While the tone of the announcement sounded pro-2A, the move itself struck some as oddly bureaucratic. When you’re in a position to repeal harmful rules outright, why settle for a committee and another study?
Task forces and review panels might make sense when you’re crafting brand-new policy. But in this case, we already know the damage these rules have done. The courts have weighed in. Gun owners have spoken. The task ahead isn’t research – it’s repeal.
Bright Spots Amid Bureaucracy
To be fair, not everything under Bondi’s watch has been slow or indecisive. The firing of the ATF’s long-time chief legal counsel marked a major shift. While the DOJ didn’t provide much public explanation, the dismissal came after years of regulatory aggression against gun owners.
The replacement, Rob Leider, appears to hold much more favorable views toward the Second Amendment, judging by his public comments and writings. Additionally, the departure of Deputy Director Marvin Richardson – whose tenure spanned back to Waco and included recent controversial enforcement operations – signals that the ATF is undergoing a long-overdue leadership shake-up.
ATF’s History of Redefining the Law
One of the problems with the ATF has always been its habit of stretching definitions to suit policy goals. Richardson himself even bragged about this approach in a recorded statement, noting how the agency circumvented congressional limits by simply redefining existing legal terminology.
Rather than wait for Congress to act, the ATF used internal rulemaking to change how key firearm terms were interpreted – bypassing the legislative process entirely. That kind of behavior is exactly what Second Amendment defenders want this new administration to undo.
Restoring Rights to Nonviolent Offenders
Another unexpected move from the DOJ involves the potential reinstatement of gun rights for certain nonviolent felons. This kind of reform wasn’t on anyone’s radar, but it’s a welcome proposal. People who committed nonviolent offenses – like white-collar crimes decades ago – shouldn’t be banned from exercising their rights for life, especially if they’ve paid their debt to society.
If the department follows through, it could offer a real path toward justice for thousands of Americans who have been left behind by a one-size-fits-all justice system. It’s a bold step in the right direction – but it shouldn’t come at the expense of ignoring more immediate problems.
The Ghost Gun Rule That Still Stands
One of the most contentious ATF rules still in place is the ban on so-called “ghost guns.” This policy redefined unserialized 80% receivers and build kits as full-fledged firearms under the law. While the Supreme Court declined to completely strike it down in a recent case, their decision only affirmed that the ATF could enforce the rule – not that it must.
The power to undo it now rests squarely with the Department of Justice. This rule never came from Congress. It was a regulatory overreach from the start. If this administration is serious about respecting gun rights, repealing this rule should be a top priority.
The Pistol Brace Ban Remains
Another major point of contention is the ATF’s pistol brace rule. This regulation transformed millions of legally owned pistols into short-barreled rifles overnight, subjecting owners to the National Firearms Act. The effect? Law-abiding citizens were suddenly faced with a choice: register their firearms or become criminals.
This isn’t a matter of semantics or paperwork. It’s about whether an accessory that improves accessibility for disabled shooters can justify criminal charges. The regulation is overbroad, vague, and harmful. And it’s still on the books – despite the current administration having every reason and ability to remove it.
Private Sales Under Siege
Then there’s the ATF’s newest rule targeting private gun sales. It expands the definition of what it means to be “engaged in the business” of selling firearms. In plain terms, this means individuals who sell more than one gun – even casually – could now be treated as unlicensed dealers.
This rule opens the door to federal prosecution for people simply transferring firearms to friends or family. It obliterates the traditional distinction between casual sales and professional commerce, putting everyday gun owners at legal risk. And yet, rather than repeal it, the DOJ is reviewing it – again.
Time to Match the Pace of the Opposition
During the previous administration, anti-gun policies rolled out quickly and aggressively. The DOJ was given 30 days to ban homebuilt firearms and 60 days to regulate pistol braces – and they followed through, albeit a bit late. The speed and resolve of those efforts set a clear precedent.
So why, now that the balance of power has shifted, is the pro-Second Amendment side moving so slowly? Reviews and panels were not part of the Biden administration’s playbook when it came to restricting rights. The current leadership should not hesitate to reverse course with equal urgency.
Bondi’s Words Don’t Match the Actions – Yet
Attorney General Bondi has said all the right things. She called the Second Amendment a “second-class right” that would no longer be treated as such. She promised change. And the creation of a Second Amendment task force may sound like a step forward.
But words are not repeal. Speeches are not rights. Unless these unconstitutional ATF rules are removed from the books, the promises ring hollow. Every day they remain in effect is another day law-abiding citizens are burdened by regulations that should never have existed.
Why the Courts Aren’t Enough
Some gun owners might think, “Well, the courts will handle it.” But as recent rulings have shown, that’s not always the case. The Supreme Court’s refusal to fully strike down the ghost gun ban illustrates the limits of judicial relief. Litigation is slow, uncertain, and doesn’t always deliver the sweeping outcomes that some expect.
The Department of Justice has the ability to act decisively – no lawsuits required. Repealing these rules through the administrative process is faster, cleaner, and absolutely legal. So again, the question stands: what are we waiting for?
It’s Time for Real Action
The opportunity is here. The authority is in place. What’s missing is the will to act. Gun owners across the country aren’t asking for anything radical. They’re asking for the undoing of bad regulations, the restoration of long-standing rights, and the promise that government overreach won’t go unchecked.
Whether Attorney General Bondi ends up being a champion for the Second Amendment – or a disappointment who let the chance for reform slip away – will be determined not by her words, but by her actions. It’s time to stop reviewing, and start repealing. The Constitution isn’t a suggestion. It’s the law.
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.