Trump administration targets ATF, with plans to cut jobs and ease gun restrictions

"Ghost guns" seized in federal law enforcement actions are displayed at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) field office in Glendale, Calif. on April 18, 2022. Former President Joe Biden imposed a host of restrictions on gun sellers. Some of those will be eased or eliminated as the Trump administration restructures the ATF.

DOGE staffers have been working on changes at the ATF that would roll back dozens of gun restrictions. The DOJ wants to downsize the agency — a move some fear will hinder criminal investigations.

(Image credit: ROBYN BECK)