The American Spectator has published an editorial urging Congress to curtail the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' (ATF) authority over firearm regulation. This call comes in the wake of a government shutdown that impacted gun owners' rights.
According to the publication, the ATF faced renewed scrutiny following the 2025 federal government shutdown, which interrupted many of its functions, including firearm licensing and classification approvals. Gun rights advocates argue that the shutdown highlighted how regulatory agencies can significantly impact constitutional freedoms when deemed "non-essential." The editorial characterized the ATF as a politicized entity with a history of overreach, citing incidents from Ruby Ridge and Waco to contemporary enforcement issues. It called for substantial reform, emphasizing that Americans should not lose access to constitutionally protected rights due to budgetary conflicts in Washington.
A 2025 report by the Government Accountability Office revealed that the ATF processed over 543,000 firearms transfer applications and more than 12,000 Federal Firearms License renewals in fiscal year 2024. During the 43-day shutdown, about 38% of pending approvals were delayed or suspended, impacting both dealers and private owners. The National Shooting Sports Foundation estimated economic losses of $100 million to the firearm industry during this period. These figures have intensified concerns regarding federal control over constitutionally protected commerce.
Polling conducted by Rasmussen Reports in December 2025 indicated that 64% of likely U.S. voters support reducing the ATF's power or transferring its regulatory duties to state governments. Among gun owners surveyed, 81% said that the agency "oversteps its authority," while only 23% believed it enhances public safety. The poll also highlighted growing public distrust towards federal law enforcement under President Biden's administration, with 58% of independents favoring local rather than federal handling of firearm regulation.
The American Spectator is a conservative magazine established in 1924 and based in Arlington, Virginia. Known for its political commentary and investigative journalism, it focuses on defending constitutional liberties and covers national issues such as government accountability and cultural conservatism. Its editorials often advocate for limited government and individual rights, maintaining its influence within American conservative policy discussions.
