The New York Times has reported that President Donald Trump's Department of Justice is taking significant steps to curtail the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' (ATF) oversight of Federal Firearm License holders (FFLs).
This move involves a substantial reduction in the number of ATF inspectors, with plans to cut down the current force by approximately two-thirds. "The department plans to eliminate 541 of the estimated 800 investigators," the New York Times disclosed.
As reported by Breitbart, this decision marks a departure from the previous administration's stringent policies. Under President Biden, the ATF enforced a zero-tolerance policy that led to the closure of numerous gun stores over minor clerical errors.
On April 7, 2025, Breitbart News highlighted a report from Gun Owners of America, which noted that the zero-tolerance policy was repealed under Trump's administration. Furthermore, by May 27, 2025, Breitbart News confirmed that the automatic revocation of FFLs by the ATF had been discontinued.
During Biden's tenure, the ATF was known for swiftly revoking FFLs due to trivial mistakes on gun forms. In contrast, Trump's ATF has announced a shift towards a more measured approach. The new strategy emphasizes evaluating "intent, compliance history and public-safety risks" rather than immediate revocations. This change also signals a revised stance among ATF personnel, focusing on "content-driven enforcement" and fostering "support for lawful industry engagement."
This development reflects a broader commitment to uphold individual freedoms and support the firearms industry by ensuring that enforcement is fair and considers the broader context of compliance and safety.
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