ATF and DOJ Abolish Zero Tolerance Policy Following Presidential Order

In a significant shift for firearms regulation, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have officially rescinded the controversial Zero Tolerance Policy for Federal Firearms Licensees. This action comes in direct response to President Trump's Executive Order directing Attorney General Pam Bondi to review government policies potentially infringing on Second Amendment rights, with special focus on those implemented during the previous administration.

The now-repealed Zero Tolerance Policy has been a contentious issue in the firearms community. Supporters characterized it as a necessary measure to revoke licenses from dealers who willfully committed serious violations. Critics, however, maintained that the policy enabled government overreach, allowing authorities to shut down legitimate Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) for minor paperwork errors discovered during inspections.

"Today's repeal of the Zero Tolerance Policy and the comprehensive review of stabilizing brace regulations and the definition of 'engaged in the business' marks a pivotal step toward restoring fairness and clarity in firearms regulation," stated Acting ATF Director Kash Patel. "We are committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure our policies are balanced, constitutional and protective of Americans' Second Amendment rights."

The National Shooting Sports Foundation's senior vice president, Lawrence G. Keane, welcomed the change, noting in a statement: "This reckless policy throttled small businesses and drove many to shut down by threatening crippling administrative costs to fight against penalties for minor errors and infractions that were previously reconciled in good faith between ATF officials and law-abiding firearm retailers."

The April 7th announcement follows several other DOJ initiatives including the appointment of Second Amendment scholar Robert Leider as ATF Chief Counsel and Assistant Director, halting arguments that silencers aren't protected by the Second Amendment, redirecting ATF personnel to assist FBI operations at the border, launching an investigation into CCW delays by the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department, and reactivating the Second Amendment rights restoration provision dormant since 1992.

Gun Owners of America Senior Vice President Erich Pratt praised the decision: "For years, the Zero Tolerance Policy has been a tool of political retribution—targeting gun stores and Americans who were simply trying to exercise their rights. We applaud President Trump, Attorney General Bondi, and Director Kash Patel for listening to gun owners and taking action to repeal this abusive policy. This is what pro-gun leadership looks like."

While the Zero Tolerance Policy directly affects FFLs, reports indicate Attorney General Bondi and Acting ATF and FBI Director Patel are also examining the "Stabilizing Brace Rule" and the "Engaged in the Business Rule" which impacts private firearms transactions between citizens.

This regulatory review could potentially impact the recent Bondi v. VanDerStok Supreme Court ruling. Despite the Court's decision being viewed unfavorably by many Second Amendment advocates, the fact that these are administrative rules rather than legislated laws means Bondi may acknowledge the Court's opinion while effectively nullifying it by repealing the "Frame or Receiver Rule."