Justice Department officials are reportedly reviewing options that could restrict firearm ownership for transgender Americans, sparking rare opposition from major Second Amendment groups and civil rights advocates.
The National Rifle Association said, “The Second Amendment is not up for debate.” It added it defends law abiding Americans’ right to buy and use guns. The group said it would oppose sweeping bans aimed at whole groups.
Gun Owners of America posted, “We oppose any and all gun bans. Full stop.” The short message drew attention on social media and added pressure against any new broad restrictions.
A Justice Department official told CNN the move aims to prevent violence by people with certain mental health challenges. Officials said they were reviewing how rules on mental illness relate to gun possession.
The discussions come after a mass shooting at a Minneapolis church, which the FBI tied to a transgender suspect. That event has stoked online anger and false claims about trans people and violence.
Under federal law, a judge must find someone mentally defective or committed before removing their right to possess firearms. That legal threshold is rare and needs clear court findings. Civil rights groups say that standard will be tested in court.
Some gun rights leaders pushed back hard against the idea. Kostas Moros, from the Second Amendment Foundation, said the move was a mistake and should be dropped.
Dudley Brown, president of the National Association for Gun Rights, told agencies to stop chasing headlines and to protect gun rights for law abiding citizens. He said focus matters more than optics.
Civil rights groups warned the proposal would single out a vulnerable group and risk legal harm. GLAAD and other advocates condemned any move to ban people because of their gender identity.
Research from the Williams Institute shows transgender people are far more likely to be victims than offenders in violent crime. Advocates point to those findings when opposing the ban idea.
The talks reflect a wider move by the administration to limit transgender rights in multiple areas since January 2025. Officials have issued steps on health care, sports, and federal recognition.
Attorney General Pam Bondi sent a memo saying the Justice Department would protect Second Amendment rights. The memo urged staff to review rules that hinder gun ownership.
Legal experts say any rule that defined being transgender as a mental disorder would face fast court challenges. They point to equal protection and due process issues in such cases.
Practical problems would also arise, such as creating lists of people and privacy risks. Critics say such lists could enable officials to target other groups in future years.
The Justice Department has not advanced any formal rule yet. Officials say they are exploring options but have not issued any specific proposals for public comment.
Opposition from major gun groups shows broad, cross partisan concern about limiting gun rights by status. Some Republican allies may pressure the administration to drop the idea.
Advocates say the rule would not fix the causes of mass shootings. They insist better background checks, mental health care, and community programs should be priorities.
Some legal scholars worry the move could widen stigma and reduce care seeking by people with gender dysphoria. That could harm public health and safety, they warn.
If the DOJ proposes a rule, it would enter a formal notice and comment process. That process could take months and would give courts material to review. Public comments will be collected and reviewed before any change takes effect.
For now, the debate shows how gun rights and civil rights issues can collide. It also shows how the White House faces pushback from allies and critics alike.
Lawmakers will watch closely as the Justice Department decides whether to pursue any change. Congressional letters and hearings may follow if officials propose a rule.
In a nation divided over guns and gender, the issue will test legal limits and public views on rights. The outcome could set a major precedent.
Officials say the matter is under review and no rules exist yet. Major gun groups have urged the Justice Department to drop any plan that bans firearms by status. Advocates on both sides plan to lobby and litigate if needed.
