From Mother Jones · Amanda Pike · · 2m
Trump Son's Company Benefits From New Gun Sales Rule
Trump Jr. stakes claim in gun sales shift via Amazon-like platform.
In brief
Trump Jr. stakes claim in gun sales shift via Amazon-like platform. The Trump administration's proposed rule allowing remote gun sales could boost GrabAGun, a company owned by Donald Trump Jr., by enabling online purchases without in-person checks. Originally reported by Mother Jones.
Trump administration revises gun rules
The Trump administration has spent much of this year rewriting federal government approach to guns, including declaring the ban on selling handguns to 18-20-year-olds unconstitutional.
ATF proposes remote gun sales rule
The ATF’s proposed Non-Over-the-Counter rule would allow gun dealers to conduct many firearm sales remotely, enabling buyers to verify identities online and have guns shipped directly without in-person interaction.
Trump Jr. owns gun e-commerce firm
Donald Trump Jr. is a shareholder and board member of GrabAGun, a company that bills itself as the Amazon of Guns and claims to be uniquely positioned to capitalize on remote gun sales opportunities.
Current gun sales require in-person checks
Currently, online gun buyers must visit a federally licensed firearms dealer to verify identity, undergo a background check, and pick up their gun in person.
Remote sales could double gun buyers
The ATF estimates that as many as half of all gun buyers might choose to take advantage of fully remote sales under the proposed rule.
GrabAGun prepares for remote sales
GrabAGun has been positioning itself for a future where more gun sales happen remotely, with Trump Jr. touting the ease of online gun sales in an age of anti-gun political attacks.
Democrats warn of business influence
Democratic Sens. Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal wrote that GrabAGun had information about the potential regulatory change and made business decisions to capitalize on the moment.
Trump Jr. denies government involvement
Trump Jr.’s spokesperson claims he had zero involvement in the decision, stating he is a lifelong businessman and vocal advocate of Second Amendment rights.
ATF denies retailer engagement
ATF Director Robert Cekada asserted the ATF had no engagement with retailers in developing the rule, framing it as a way to modernize gun sales using technical advances.
Gun experts warn of safety risks
Gun control attorney Jon Lowy warned that online gun sales could be the most dangerous action to increase gun violence by making it easier for illegal straw purchases to occur.
What to remember
The Trump administration's proposed rule allowing remote gun sales could boost GrabAGun, a company owned by Donald Trump Jr., by enabling online purchases without in-person checks.
