The Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced the establishment of a Second Amendment Civil Rights Division, which aims to protect and advance Americans’ right to keep and bear arms.
The creation of this division signifies a notable policy shift under President Donald Trump’s administration, fulfilling his campaign promise to prioritize gun rights. This move is part of a series of executive actions intended to curtail federal overreach and ensure constitutional protections for lawful gun owners are upheld at the federal level. The division will concentrate on challenging restrictive state and local gun laws, streamlining concealed-carry permitting processes, and addressing delays and denials that have hindered citizens’ rights. Acting Chief Andrew Darlington will lead the division, with oversight from DOJ official Harmeet Dhillon and Attorney General Pam Bondi.
According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), more than 21 million firearm background checks were conducted for gun purchases in 2023, marking one of the highest levels on record. The Trump administration cites this surge in legal firearm ownership as evidence for the need for stronger federal protection of Second Amendment rights due to growing public concern over personal safety and government regulation.
A study by the Crime Prevention Research Center in 2024 found that over 60% of U.S. counties are now classified as “constitutional carry” jurisdictions, allowing lawful citizens to carry firearms without a permit. This expansion reflects an ongoing realignment of national firearm policy towards individual liberty and reduced regulatory burden.
The DOJ, founded in 1870 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., is responsible for enforcing U.S. law and administering justice. It oversees agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and U.S. Marshals Service. Under President Trump’s administration, the department has expanded its focus on enforcing constitutional rights, including religious liberty, free speech, and Second Amendment protections.
