Trump’s Pro-Industry Gun Order Could Endanger Lives, Critics Warn

On Friday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at dismantling gun control measures put in place by his predecessor. This action has quickly drawn sharp criticism from those who view it as a concession to the gun industry, prioritizing profit over the well-being of a society consistently plagued by gun violence.

The directive given by Trump requires U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to comprehensively review the gun policies and stances from the previous administration and the Justice Department, including any executive orders made by President Joe Biden and the DOJ’s engagement in “all ongoing and potential litigation” concerning firearms.

As reported by The Trace, on the agenda for potential cuts are several of Biden’s major initiatives aimed at curbing gun violence. These include rules on ghost guns, the expansion of background checks for gun purchases, and increased regulation of gun dealers who break the law.

“Trump’s priorities couldn’t be more clear. Spoiler: it’s not protecting kids.”

According to the publication, which specializes in tracking gun violence in the U.S.:

Though many of Biden’s policies are already in place, they face continual legal challenges. Trump’s executive order also mandates the attorney general to reevaluate the Justice Department’s commitment to defending these regulations in court. This includes everything from age restrictions on firearm purchases to prohibitions against gun ownership by felons. Following a 2022 Supreme Court decision that significantly broadened gun rights, federal gun laws have been under relentless judicial scrutiny.

If the Justice Department opts not to defend existing federal laws, the likelihood of these laws being declared unconstitutional could substantially increase.

Gun control advocates have strongly condemned the executive order, warning that Trump’s reversal of the limited progress made under Biden signifies an endorsement of further tragedy and suffering for Americans, including vulnerable children often caught in gunfire.

“Trump’s priorities couldn’t be more clear. Spoiler: it’s not protecting kids,” remarked Natalie Fall, executive director of March For Our Lives. “Gun deaths finally decreased last year, and now Trump is set on reversing the policies that contributed to that decline.”

She added that Trump’s right-wing MAGA faction often vocalizes a commitment to ‘keeping kids safe,’ but this is merely a facade. “They ignore the actual cause of death and injury to thousands of American children each year: gun violence. Trump is going to get Americans killed with his quest for revenge and his eagerness to satisfy the gun lobby and empower armed extremists. Remember, when the next mass shooting occurs, Trump did everything in his power to enable it, not prevent it.”

Hudson Munoz, executive director of Guns Down America, expressed similar concerns, calling the president’s order “as reckless as it is predictable.”

Trump is “demonstrating that his real interest lies in placating the gun industry rather than protecting American lives,” Munoz stated. “This order is extremely dangerous. His incompetence and Attorney General Pam Bondi’s unwavering allegiance to the Trump agenda will only lead to more violence, while a select few shareholders and gun industry executives profit.”

Citing public opinion polls, Munoz noted that over 70% of Americans support sensible gun safety regulations, which Trump and his allies in the gun lobby are actively working to dismantle.

“Make no mistake, this executive order is all about business,” he concluded. “Trump’s actions are designed to flood the American public sphere with more guns to enhance the profits of firearm manufacturers. This leaves ordinary Americans to pay the price with increased gun deaths, higher emergency response costs, and more families devastated by violence—all while a few businesses reap the profits.”