Donald Trump could be about to lift an almost 100-year-old law and it’s left people in complete shock

Donald Trump, the former President of the United States, has suggested that he might remove a nearly 100-year-old law related to firearms, specifically concerning silencers. This law was originally put in place during the Prohibition era to help reduce gang violence. The possibility of this law being lifted has surprised and shocked many people.

During his first term as president, Trump had already ended a 20-year ban that prevented non-U.S. citizens from buying silencers. This ban was initially established in 2002 to stop terrorist groups from acquiring American-made silencers. Now, the Trump administration is considering reversing several gun control measures that were implemented under President Biden. They argue that easing these gun laws would benefit American manufacturers and align with the constitutional right to bear arms.

Recently, Trump directed Pam Bondi, the newly appointed Attorney General, to review federal firearms policies. The goal is to identify and potentially remove any restrictions that are seen as unnecessary, especially those introduced during Biden’s presidency. Biden’s gun reform measures included stricter background checks for young buyers, funding for laws that allow the removal of guns from individuals deemed dangerous, and closing a loophole that allowed some domestic abusers to own guns.

Gun rights activists are hopeful that Trump’s actions signal a move towards lifting restrictions on silencers, which they believe have been in place for too long. Currently, purchasing a gun suppressor requires a special license. Suppressors are devices attached to rifles that reduce the noise of gunfire by trapping the gases and pressure released when a gun is fired. According to the NRA Hunter’s Leadership Forum, suppressors can decrease the sound of a gunshot by 20 to 35 decibels.

Adam Ashmore, a gun owner, explained to The Daily Mail that while his AR-15 rifle produces a loud noise when fired, using a suppressor makes it only slightly louder than a .22 rimfire rifle. He clarified that suppressors do not make guns completely silent, contrary to what movies might suggest.

Mark Jones from Gun Owners of America mentioned that suppressors are commonly used by hunters to protect their hearing. Some advocates also claim that suppressors can help reduce the recoil of a rifle. In light of these benefits, U.S. Representative Ben Cline and Senator Mike Crapo plan to reintroduce the Hearing Protection Act. This act aims to make it easier for people to purchase suppressors by reclassifying them, thus reducing the regulatory burden on law-abiding gun owners who wish to protect their hearing while engaging in shooting sports or hunting.

However, not everyone supports the idea of making suppressors more accessible. Critics have expressed their concerns on social media, arguing that suppressors are unnecessary for law-abiding citizens and suggesting alternatives like earplugs for hearing protection.

The National Firearms Act of 1934 currently requires a $200 tax stamp for suppressors and other restricted weapons and accessories. Obtaining a suppressor involves a lengthy process, including a special license, and owners are not allowed to lend their suppressors to others. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) states that the purpose of this law was to limit the use of such firearms in crimes, particularly the gang-related violence of the 1930s.

If the law is repealed, buying a suppressor would become much simpler. Potential buyers would only need to show identification and complete a background check, which can be done quickly in stores. This change would eliminate the current bureaucratic hurdles and additional costs associated with purchasing a suppressor.