Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Is Protecting Americans’ Second Amendment Rights

February 7, 2025

Fact Sheets

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Purpose: Halt federal policies that restrict Americans’ constitutional Second Amendment rights to keep and bear arms.
Immediate Action & Review: Directs the incoming Attorney General to review all relevant orders, regulations, guidance, and plans from the Biden Administration concerning firearms, and to provide a plan to eliminate infringements on Second Amendment rights.
Protection of Law-Abiding Citizens: Aims to end policies that have targeted law-abiding gun owners and small business owners (such as Federal Firearms Licensees) through increased enforcement actions and banking restrictions against firearms manufacturers.
Defending Constitutional Rights: Continues efforts from the previous term by:
- Removing the U.S. from the UN Arms Trade Treaty to avoid global firearm regulations.
- Narrowing the definition of “fugitive from justice” to refine restrictions on gun purchases.
- Designating the firearms industry as “essential” during the pandemic to protect related businesses.

The Executive Order’s emphasis on protecting Second Amendment rights could lead to increased political and social debates, potentially affecting the university’s campus climate and student body dynamics.
There is a risk that the rollback of regulations could lead to increased gun presence on campus, which may necessitate a review of Vanderbilt’s campus safety policies and procedures.
The focus on reducing regulatory enforcement could impact research funding and partnerships, particularly for programs related to public policy, law, and social sciences that engage with gun control and public safety issues.
Vanderbilt University may need to consider how these changes could affect its community engagement efforts, especially in areas related to gun violence prevention and public health.

Vanderbilt Law School may see increased demand for expertise in constitutional law and Second Amendment rights, presenting opportunities for research and public discourse.
Peabody College of Education and Human Development might need to address the implications of these policies in its curriculum, particularly in areas related to public policy and community safety.
The Office of Community Engagement could play a crucial role in facilitating dialogue and partnerships with local communities to address concerns related to gun rights and safety.
Vanderbilt’s research centers focused on public health and safety may need to adjust their focus to align with the changing regulatory landscape and its impact on community health outcomes.

The Executive Order could influence the availability of federal funding for research related to gun control and public safety, potentially affecting grant opportunities for Vanderbilt University.
There may be increased opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for research on the social and legal implications of Second Amendment rights, particularly through collaborations with legal and policy-focused organizations.
Changes in the regulatory environment could impact the university’s partnerships with government agencies and non-profit organizations focused on gun violence prevention and public safety.
Vanderbilt may need to consider the financial implications of potential changes to campus safety measures and policies in response to the Executive Order.

Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks typically involving compliance or ethics.)

Vanderbilt’s Legal and Compliance Office should review the implications of the Executive Order on Second Amendment rights to ensure that any university policies or partnerships related to firearms are compliant with the new federal guidelines. This will help mitigate any legal risks associated with changes in federal enforcement policies.
The Office of Federal Relations should monitor developments in federal firearms regulations and engage with policymakers to understand potential impacts on university research and partnerships, particularly those involving law enforcement or public safety programs.
Vanderbilt’s Public Policy Studies Department could explore research opportunities related to the societal impacts of changes in Second Amendment enforcement. This research could provide valuable insights into the broader implications of these policies on public safety and civil liberties.

The Executive Order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Law School to host symposiums or workshops on constitutional rights and firearms legislation. This could position the university as a leader in legal scholarship and public discourse on Second Amendment issues.
Vanderbilt can leverage its expertise in public policy and law to contribute to national conversations on balancing constitutional rights with public safety. Engaging in these discussions can enhance the university’s reputation as a thought leader in complex legal and policy issues.

Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures to align with changes in federal firearms policies.)

Average Relevance Score: 3.4

Immediate completion of review by the incoming Attorney General.

The directive specifies an immediate review, which indicates an urgent action without a specific numerical timeline.

Relevance Score: 5

Department of Justice (DOJ): The Executive Order directs the incoming Attorney General to review and reverse policies affecting Second Amendment rights, thereby placing a direct responsibility on the DOJ to ensure compliance with constitutional protections.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF): The mandate specifically addresses previous enforcement actions by the ATF, which were seen as overreaching and detrimental to law-abiding gun owners and small firearms businesses.

Relevance Score: 1 (Only a few federal agencies are impacted by this Executive Order.)

Incoming Attorney General – Tasked with immediately reviewing all related firearms policies and delivering a plan of action to the President, thereby directing a Cabinet-level official to spearhead the implementation.

Relevance Score: 5 (Impacts a Cabinet-level official with wide-reaching executive authority).