A proposed rule change by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) could significantly reshape the American firearms market and potentially benefit online gun retailer GrabAGun, where Donald Trump Jr. is a shareholder and board member.
The proposal would allow federally licensed firearms dealers to ship guns directly to customers within the same state after completing online identity verification, background checks and a mandatory seven-day waiting period. Under current regulations, most online gun purchases require buyers to collect their firearms from a physical gun store and complete an in-person background check.
Industry experts say the rule could dramatically boost online gun sales by making the purchasing process more convenient, bringing firearm sales closer to the way consumers buy other products online. The ATF estimates that millions of buyers could eventually use the home-delivery option, potentially saving consumers time and travel costs.
The proposal has also raised questions about potential conflicts of interest because of Donald Trump Jr.'s connection to GrabAGun. Trump Jr. reportedly owns more than 300,000 shares in the company, though representatives for him and the company insist he had no involvement in crafting the proposal and had no prior knowledge of the rule change. The White House has also denied any role by the president's son in the matter.
Gun-control organizations and some independent firearms dealers have strongly opposed the proposal. Critics argue that direct-to-home deliveries could increase the risks of illegal trafficking, mail theft and so-called "straw purchases," where a person legally buys a firearm on behalf of someone prohibited from owning one. Small gun shop owners also fear losing business because they currently earn fees by processing online purchases and conducting in-person transfers.
Supporters of the rule, however, argue that modern online verification systems can be just as secure as traditional in-store purchases and that the changes simply bring the firearms industry in line with broader e-commerce trends.
The proposed regulation is currently in a public comment period and could still be modified or withdrawn before any final decision is made later this year or in early 2027. For now, it has sparked a fresh debate over gun rights, public safety and whether government policy could end up benefiting businesses linked to the president's family.
