Trump, Republican AGs Determined to Weaken Background Checks

Washington DC — GIFFORDS, the national gun violence prevention group led by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, condemned the decision by 26 Republican attorneys general to challenge the historic expansion of background checks announced by the Biden administration two weeks ago. The rule from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) clarifies who is considered “engaged in the business” of selling firearms and subject to the legal requirements of a licensed gun dealer—such as running background checks on buyers. This is the largest expansion of federal background checks since the Brady Act. Three lawsuits have been filed by the Republican attorneys general against ATF. Former President Donald Trump has vowed to repeal the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which set the stage for expanded background checks. 

“The gun lobby wants nothing more than to eliminate commonsense background checks and sell as many guns as possible. This new lawsuit is further proof that Donald Trump and his allies are determined to undercut public safety,” said GIFFORDS Executive Director Emma Brown. “This latest stunt does nothing to change the fact that background checks are popular, constitutional, and critical to keeping guns away from people who want to harm others. This November, Americans must elect leaders who stand up for the safety of families, not gun industry profit margins.”

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