Brady Fiercely Denounces The Trump Administration’s Reported Removal of ATF’s Crucial “Zero-Tolerance” Policy, Endangering Public Safety

The decision to weaken oversight of rogue gun dealers will flood communities with illegal firearms, causing more violence and crime

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 7, 2025 — It has been reported that Attorney General Pam Bondi plans to remove the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) “zero-tolerance” policy. This Biden Administration policy empowered ATF to crack down on rogue gun dealers who egregiously violate federal law, holding them accountable for dangerous and negligent practices. 

Under this policy, the ATF made historic progress in cracking down on negligent gun dealers and stemming the flow of illegal firearms into our communities. The reversal of this policy is a gift to the gun industry, sending a clear signal to rogue gun dealers that they can break the law without consequences. Gun crime will skyrocket — just like it did during President Trump’s first term when homicide rates soared. 

This follows President Trump's February 7th executive action directing Attorney General Bondi to review all firearm-related policies and provide a "proposed plan of action" within 30 days to protect against so-called “infringements” on Americans’ Second Amendment rights. There are also reports that the Biden administration’s rule regulating “pistol braces” and the “Engaged in the Business” rule which clarified who must obtain a federal firearms license and therefore conduct background checks, are also being targeted for review and potential repeal.

Kris Brown, president of Brady, said: 

“Attorney General Pam Bondi’s reported decision to eliminate the ATF’s zero-tolerance policy is a reckless betrayal of American safety. The data is clear and compelling — 90% of crime guns come from just 5% of dealers. By dismantling this policy, the Trump Administration is deliberately empowering these irresponsible gun dealers to operate without accountability, effectively arming criminals who will use these weapons to terrorize our communities. 

“This action is particularly devastating because we know the zero-tolerance policy worked. Since its implementation in 2021, the Biden administration achieved unprecedented success in holding problematic dealers accountable, with increased numbers of license revocations in 2023 and 2024. The policy specifically targeted the small percentage of dealers with egregious violations, who were often responsible for flooding our streets with illegal firearms, and its removal undermines years of progress in combating illegal firearms trafficking.

“This is the latest move by the Trump Administration’s campaign to cripple the ATF’s enforcement capabilities. From appointing Kash Patel — who refused to defend background checks — as acting director of the agency, to empowering Attorney General Pam Bondi to oversee mass gun rights restorations, including for domestic abusers, this administration is systematically dismantling the safeguards designed to keep weapons out of dangerous hands. These aren't just policy changes — they're deliberate choices that prioritize gun industry profits over American lives.”