DOJ Rolls Back 34 Gun Regulations in Largest ATF Reform in a Decade Under Executive Order 14206

The Department of Justice released a five-part package of 34 proposed rule revisions under Executive Order 14206 on April 29–30, 2026 — the largest single-day rollback of federal gun regulations in over a decade. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche called it 'the most comprehensive ATF reform in the bureau's history.' Key changes: repeal of the Biden-era zero-tolerance federal firearms license dealer revocation policy; elimination of the background check rule extended to gun shows; narrowing the definition of 'unlawful drug user' as a prohibited firearm purchaser; narrowing the definition of 'fugitive from justice'; and reduced civil penalties for dealer paperwork violations. The Senate also confirmed a new ATF director on a party-line vote during the same session. The gun regulation rollback came days after an armed gunman — Cole Tomas Allen — charged security at the White House Correspondents' Dinner on April 25, leading critics to question the timing. The DOJ's moves drew immediate legal challenges from gun-control advocates; the Giffords Law Center said it would sue within days. Republican leadership praised the rollback as fulfilling Trump's campaign promise to protect Second Amendment rights.