Fact Check: Trump admin permits sale of device that allows standard firearms to fire like machine guns

Trump Administration Permits Sale of Device That Allows Standard Firearms to Fire Like Machine Guns

Introduction

The claim that the Trump administration has permitted the sale of devices that enable standard firearms to function like machine guns has emerged from various news reports and political statements. This development is framed as a significant shift in gun policy, reversing previous restrictions and raising concerns among gun control advocates.

What We Know

1. Forced Reset Triggers (FRTs): The devices in question are known as forced reset triggers, which allow semi-automatic firearms to fire at rates comparable to machine guns. The Trump administration has reportedly decided to permit their sale, reversing a position taken during the Biden administration that classified these devices as illegal under the National Firearms Act 1410.

2. Legal Context: The decision follows a settlement related to a lawsuit brought by the National Association for Gun Rights, a pro-gun organization. This settlement reportedly mandates the return of seized FRTs and allows their sale 710.

3. Political Reactions: The move has sparked significant backlash. Representative Robin Kelly condemned the decision, labeling it as dangerous and indicative of a broader trend in loosening gun regulations 3. Conversely, pro-gun advocates have praised the decision as a victory for gun rights 110.

4. Previous Administration Actions: This decision marks a notable departure from previous actions taken by the Trump administration, which included a ban on bump stocks—devices that also enable rapid firing of firearms—following the Las Vegas shooting in 2017 5.

Analysis

The sources reporting on this claim vary in their reliability and potential biases.

• Mainstream News Outlets: Reports from reputable sources such as Reuters and NBC News provide detailed accounts of the decision and its implications. Reuters is generally considered reliable, as it adheres to journalistic standards and provides fact-based reporting 14. NBC News also has a strong reputation for covering political issues, although its framing of the decision as "by far the most dangerous thing this administration has done" may reflect a bias towards emphasizing the negative implications of the policy 49.

• Political Commentary: Statements from political figures, such as Rep. Kelly, while informative, may carry inherent biases. Politicians often frame issues in ways that align with their agendas, which can color the objectivity of their assessments 3.

• Advocacy Groups: The National Association for Gun Rights, which initiated the lawsuit leading to this decision, has a clear agenda promoting gun rights. Thus, their perspectives should be viewed with caution, as they may not provide an unbiased account of the implications of the policy change 7.

• Legal and Regulatory Context: The legal framework surrounding firearms in the U.S. is complex, and changes in policy can have far-reaching consequences. The decision to permit FRTs raises questions about the regulatory definitions of machine guns and the enforcement of existing gun laws. Further analysis of the legal ramifications and potential challenges to this decision would be beneficial.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

The evidence supports the claim that the Trump administration has permitted the sale of devices known as forced reset triggers (FRTs), which allow standard firearms to fire at rates similar to machine guns. This decision is a significant policy shift, reversing previous restrictions and raising concerns among gun control advocates. Key evidence includes reports from reputable news sources confirming the administration's decision and the legal context surrounding the settlement with the National Association for Gun Rights.

However, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of the available evidence. While mainstream news outlets have reported on this development, the framing of the issue may vary, reflecting differing political biases. Additionally, the long-term implications of this policy change remain uncertain, as legal challenges and regulatory responses could evolve.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information regarding gun policy and its implications, considering the complexities and nuances involved in such significant regulatory changes.

Sources

1. Trump administration, reversing Biden, allows 'forced reset triggers' for guns | Reuters. Link
2. Trump's Latest Executive Order on Firearms. Link
3. Rep. Kelly condemns Trump Administration for flooding streets ... Link
4. Trump admin permits sale of device that allows standard firearms to fire like machine guns. Link
5. Trump once defied the NRA to ban bump stocks. He now says he 'did nothing' to restrict guns | AP News. Link
6. Exclusive: Trump administration moves closer to easing gun exports | Reuters. Link
7. Trump Administration Legalizes Rapid-Fire Gun Devices in Controversial ... Link
8. Expert gobsmacked as Trump pushes through 'by far most dangerous ... - MSN. Link
9. Trump Allows Sale of Device to Transform Firearms. Link
10. Trump Administration Permits Controversial Gun Device Sales. Link