DOJ Finalizes Rules to Loosen Restrictions on Silencers and NFA Firearms
The U.S. Department of Justice has finalized new regulations that ease restrictions on silencers and certain firearms governed by the National Firearms Act (NFA). This move follows a 2023 change that removed the NFA tax and a recent presidential directive to drop appeals against federal rulings that loosened oversight on these weapons. The changes allow for less government oversight in the ownership and sale of short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and silencers, though they do not affect widely used rifles like AR-15s. Existing prohibitions on these weapons remain in place, but the regulatory landscape has shifted significantly toward reduced federal control.
Key points
- The Justice Department has issued new rules easing restrictions on silencers and specific NFA-regulated firearms.
- The changes follow a 2023 removal of the NFA tax and a presidential order to drop appeals against federal judge rulings that loosened gun controls.
- The new rules allow for less government oversight in the ownership and sale of short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and silencers.
- The changes do not apply to widely used firearms such as AR-15s, and existing prohibitions on these weapons remain in effect.
- The move may affect federal prosecutions, with DOJ guidance forthcoming, and could invite intervention by states or Congress to reimpose controls.
Background
This development follows a series of recent actions by the Trump administration regarding gun control and judicial independence. In September 2026, President Trump directed the DOJ to drop an appeal on looser NFA gun rules, potentially allowing some people to own or sell these arms with less government oversight. This decision centered on a 2023 change that removed the NFA tax. Additionally, the DOJ has recently engaged in conflicts with the judiciary, including filing misconduct complaints against Minnesota judges over immigration remarks and seeking to fire court-appointed U.S. attorneys, highlighting a broader tension between the executive and judicial branches.
Why it matters
The easing of restrictions on silencers and NFA firearms represents a significant shift in federal gun policy, potentially leading to increased availability of these weapons with less oversight. This could impact public safety debates and federal prosecutions, while also setting the stage for potential legal challenges from states or Congress seeking to reimpose stricter controls. The move reflects the administration's broader approach to reducing federal regulations and its ongoing conflicts with the judiciary over the scope of executive power.
What to watch
The Justice Department is expected to provide further guidance on how the new rules will affect federal prosecutions. States and Congress may intervene to reimpose controls on NFA weapons, potentially leading to legal challenges. The DOJ's recent conflicts with the judiciary, including the Minnesota judge misconduct complaint and the Seattle U.S. attorney reinstatement, suggest that further legal battles over executive authority and judicial independence are likely.
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on AP News