Attorney General Blanche Launches New Process to Restore Federal Firearm Rights

Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the finalization of a federal regulation establishing a new process for individuals previously barred from possessing firearms to seek restoration of their Second Amendment rights. The rule, effective 30 days after Federal Register publication, replaces a long-dormant system under 18 U.S.C. § 925(c), which had been largely inaccessible for over 30 years. Each applicant must demonstrate to the Attorney General’s satisfaction that they no longer pose a public safety risk, with violent felons and registered sex offenders remaining presumptively ineligible. The Department of Justice emphasized that relief granted under the rule only addresses federal disabilities and does not override state-level restrictions.

The U.S. Pardon Attorney, Edward Martin, framed the initiative as part of President Trump’s directive to restore firearms rights to millions of Americans who lost them due to federal disabilities. Martin noted that the program aims to provide a pathway for the approximately 30 million individuals affected, following months of development under Attorney General Blanche’s direction. The Justice Department highlighted the rule’s rigorous, individualized review process, designed to balance public safety with the restoration of constitutional rights for law-abiding citizens.

The final rule requires applicants to submit evidence demonstrating their rehabilitation and lack of ongoing danger to public safety, with the Attorney General retaining discretion to deny relief based on risk factors. The Department will maintain strong presumptions against relief for individuals with histories of violent crimes, illegal alien status, or other ongoing threats. Approved relief removes only federal firearm disabilities, leaving state laws and local regulations intact. The rule takes effect 30 days after publication in the Federal Register, with applications accepted via the Justice Department’s Federal Firearm Rights Restoration Program website.

The announcement follows the Department of Justice’s broader efforts to address firearms policy and constitutional rights under the current administration. In a separate action, the DOJ also filed denaturalization cases against 25 individuals accused of serious offenses, including attempted first-degree murder and assault. Additionally, the DOJ released updated guidance on federal religious liberty protections, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding constitutional rights across multiple domains.