

Trump administration targets ATF, with plans to cut jobs and ease gun restrictions
8 snips Jul 2, 2025
The Trump administration is aiming to shake up the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives by loosening gun regulations and slashing its budget. This could impact law enforcement's ability to trace gun crimes effectively. Proposed changes include extended background checks and the destruction of gun dealer records. The conversation highlights the ATF's critical role in criminal investigations, comparing its database to a unique fingerprint for firearms, all while navigating the contentious landscape of gun control.
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ATF Gun Regulation Changes
- The Trump administration plans around 50 regulatory changes at the ATF that largely aim to loosen gun regulations.
- These individual changes may seem minor, but collectively they reveal a clear trend toward gun deregulation.
Impact of ATF Budget Cuts
- The DOJ proposes cutting ATF's budget by 25%, which would eliminate over 500 investigators.
- These inspectors are critical for enforcing laws and tracing guns to solve violent crime effectively.
ATF's Focus Amid Changes
- ATF states reducing regulatory burdens will help focus enforcement on violent criminals.
- However, critics say deregulation risks weakening gun control and enforcement efforts.