Full Breakdown
Trump DOJ Proposes Easing Gun-Rights Restoration for Convicted Felons
8/18/2026, 1:30:24 AM
Background & Legal Framework
Federal law bars anyone who has committed a crime punishable by more than one year, undocumented immigrants, dishonorably discharged veterans, and those convicted of domestic-violence misdemeanors from possessing a firearm. Roughly 30 million Americans are currently prohibited from gun ownership because of criminal convictions.
Proposed Policy Change
The Justice Department announced a plan that would allow many individuals with felony convictions to regain their Second Amendment rights without requiring a presidential pardon. Under the proposal, registered sex offenders, violent criminals and undocumented immigrants would remain barred. Previously, only those who received a pardon could have their gun rights restored. The change follows the dismissal of pardon attorney Liz Oyer, who was terminated after refusing to restore the gun rights of actor Mel Gibson, convicted of domestic-violence in 2011.
Official Statements & Responses
The Justice Department described the initiative as a “streamlined process” intended to align gun-rights restoration with the principle that a felony conviction does not automatically indicate ongoing danger. Critics within the department and outside advocacy groups have warned that easing restrictions could undermine public-safety safeguards, though the department maintains that the new criteria will continue to exclude those deemed a clear risk.
Data & Statistics
- Approximately 30 million Americans are barred from gun ownership due to criminal convictions.
- The proposal does not alter restrictions for registered sex offenders, violent criminals, or undocumented immigrants.
Verbatim Quotes
“The Second Amendment is not a second-class right, and the federal government should not permanently deprive Americans of a constitutional right without regard to whether they pose a danger to public safety,” — Blanche
