Key facts
- A proposed ATF rule could allow licensed dealers to ship firearms directly to in-state residents, bypassing physical store pickups.
- Donald Trump Jr. is a shareholder and board member of GrabAGun, an online retailer that could benefit from the rule change.
- The proposal includes online identity verification, background checks, and a seven-day waiting period.
- Critics warn of increased public safety risks, while the ATF defends the rule as modernization.
- The rule is part of a broader effort to expand gun access following a presidential executive order.
A proposed rule change by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) could significantly alter firearm sales by allowing licensed dealers to ship guns directly to consumers' homes. This change, if finalized, would permit in-state residents to receive firearms after an online identity verification, background check, and a seven-day waiting period, bypassing the current requirement for in-person pickup at physical stores.
Donald Trump Jr., a shareholder and board member of the online gun retailer GrabAGun, could potentially see his investment benefit from this proposed rule. GrabAGun, described as the 'Amazon of guns,' has seen its stock price drop significantly over the past year, but its CEO has expressed optimism about capitalizing on the new regulatory environment.
Industry officials, gun shop owners, and gun-control advocates have voiced mixed reactions. While the ATF argues the rule modernizes gun sales and offers consumer convenience, critics express serious concerns about public safety, including risks of illegal gun trafficking, mail theft, and straw purchases. Some brick-and-mortar gun shop owners also worry about the financial impact, as they currently profit from transfer fees on online sales requiring in-store pickup.
ATF chief counsel Robert Leider, who oversaw the team that crafted the proposal, defended the measure, stating it aims to align the gun industry with broader economic trends and that the proposed verification system is more secure than traditional in-store purchases. He stated he was unaware of Trump Jr.'s connection to GrabAGun and that the president's son had no influence on the proposal. The White House also stated it had no record of interaction with Trump Jr. on the matter.
The proposed rule is currently in a public comment period, with a closing date in early August. The finalization of the rule is not expected until late 2026 or early 2027, and it could still be modified or withdrawn. The change coincides with a similar proposal by the U.S. Postal Service to lift a ban on mailing handguns.