Trump administration ends ban on devices that make rifles fire quicker

The Trump administration has made a significant policy shift by allowing the sale of forced-reset triggers for semiautomatic rifles, overturning a long-standing ban as part of a legal settlement. This decision, announced by the Justice Department, marks a departure from previous Second Amendment regulations under the Republican administration.

The settlement resolves ongoing cases related to aftermarket triggers that were classified as machine guns by the government. The agreement requires the return of seized devices and represents a victory for Rare Breed Triggers, the company at the center of the legal battles. Formerly represented by David Warrington, Trump’s White House counsel, Rare Breed Triggers challenged the ATF’s classification of their products, leading to the lawsuit by the Biden administration.

Gun control advocates have expressed concerns about the implications of this settlement, fearing that it could worsen gun violence. Vanessa Gonzalez, from the gun control group GIFFORDS, criticized the administration for effectively legalizing machine guns and warned of potential loss of lives due to this decision.

In a statement, Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the administration’s commitment to upholding the Second Amendment as a fundamental right. The settlement stipulates that Rare Breed Triggers will refrain from developing similar devices for handguns, with the ATF obligated to return seized triggers to their owners.

This development has sparked debate among lawmakers and advocacy groups, with the National Rifle Association (NRA) highlighting the significance of potential legislative wins for gun rights in Congress. The NRA’s legislative expert sees this moment as potentially monumental for law-abiding gun owners, echoing the sentiments of Rare Breed Triggers in their fight against government overreach.

As the controversy surrounding forced-reset triggers continues, the implications of this settlement on gun control policies and Second Amendment rights remain a hotly debated topic. The decision to allow the sale of these devices represents a significant shift in firearms regulations under the current administration, setting the stage for further discussions on gun violence prevention and gun rights in the United States.