By Aditi Thube
Boston University News Service
With President-elect Donald Trump’s administration ready for a second term, existing laws might observe some changes, most importantly gun laws. Given America’s ongoing struggle with gun violence, Americans are curious to see how Trump will solve the issue.
Gun laws in the United States are protected under the Second Amendment of the Constitution. To quote the law, “A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the securing of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” Even though it comes with certain limitations, the law allows people to own a gun. Trump has been very supportive of the Second Amendment.
In his previous term, Trump repealed the restrictions on the purchase of firearms by certain individuals having mental health disorders, which was brought into action under the Obama presidency. Trump’s close links to the National Rifle Association (NRA) is worrying when looking at the rise of gun violence, but it may come off as a victory for gun owners.
Trump strongly believes that the true cause of mass shootings and gun violence in America is mental health and not gun regulations. During his previous term, he prioritized strengthening law enforcement related to the mental health crisis and funding mental health resources over limiting the access to firearms. His slogan, “It’s the people, not the guns,” resonated with many conservative voters, but worried many liberal voters.
Over the next few years, it would be observed whether financing mental health alone would actually reduce gun violence. Even though this strategy protects individual liberties, it could lead to consequences if a long-term solution is not brought into action.
Trump also frequently links gun ownership to patriotism. He is considered as one of the most outspoken political defenders of the Second Amendment. He often uses “the right to bear arms” as a theme at his rallies. The Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, which would allow anyone authorized to carry a firearm in one state to lawfully carry one in any state, is a significant proposal that might materialize during a second term. However, this is viewed with criticism by those who favor state-by-state restrictions.
Trump’s famous leadership style of “law and order” might impact how funds are allocated to resolve gun violence. Instead of focusing on grassroot and community based violence prevention initiatives, he might favor putting funds into police enforcement. This can result in less funding for initiatives that aim to stop violence and deal with its underlying causes, such as family instability, lack of education and financial hardship. Critics feel that robust police presence doesn’t address the root cause of gun violence.
Trump has frequently advocated for state governments to have greater authority over their own laws. This could mean that states having stricter gun laws, like California, can have their own regulations. However states with permissive gun laws, like Texas, can continue to do so without any federal limitations. This strategy would create difficulties for states having stricter regulations to police their own laws if someone from another state with permissive gun laws brings a gun to their state.
As Trump takes office in January 2025, the nation is ready to see how his policies could affect the landscape of gun laws and individual rights. America may need to prepare for the war on guns to grow stronger.
