Donald Trump has hinted at overturning a nearly century-old law that regulates firearm suppressors, a move that has caught many by surprise. The law in question, passed in 1934, was introduced to curb gang violence during the Prohibition era.
This potential change follows Trump’s decision to lift a 20-year ban on selling silencers to non-U.S. citizens during his first administration. That ban was originally put in place in 2002 to prevent terror groups from accessing American-made suppressors.
Now, the Trump administration is considering reversing several of President Biden’s gun control measures. These include restrictions on suppressor sales, which Trump argues harm American manufacturers and infringe on citizens’ constitutional right to bear arms.
Last month, Trump tasked newly appointed Attorney General Pam Bondi with reviewing federal firearms policies. He is particularly focused on identifying restrictions put in place under Biden, according to The Reload. Biden’s reforms include stricter background checks for buyers under 21, funding for “red flag” laws to confiscate firearms from individuals deemed dangerous, and measures to close the “boyfriend loophole” preventing domestic abusers from owning guns.
Gun-rights activists are welcoming Trump’s potential move to roll back restrictions on suppressors, calling it long overdue. Suppressors, commonly known as silencers, reduce the noise of gunshots by trapping gases and blast pressure at the muzzle. According to the NRA Hunter’s Leadership Forum, suppressors can lower the sound of a gunshot by 20 to 35 decibels.
Supporters of suppressor deregulation argue that these devices are useful for hunters, as they help protect hearing and reduce recoil. Mark Jones, director of Gun Owners of America, emphasized that suppressors are commonly used by big-game hunters for ear protection. Rep. Ben Cline and Sen. Mike Crapo are planning to reintroduce the Hearing Protection Act, which would make it easier for gun owners to legally acquire suppressors.
However, not everyone is in favor of lifting these restrictions. Many have expressed concern on social media, arguing that law-abiding citizens do not need suppressors, and some suggest earplugs as a more practical solution.
The National Firearms Act of 1934 imposed a $200 tax on suppressors and required a special license for purchase. The law was aimed at curbing crime, particularly after incidents like the infamous St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. Under the current system, buyers must wait for approval, cannot lend their suppressors to others, and face significant paperwork and fees.
If the law is repealed, buyers would no longer need to jump through these bureaucratic hoops. Instead, they could simply undergo a background check and purchase suppressors with minimal delay.
Read more: