DOJ Declares Handgun Age Ban for Young Adults Unconstitutional

The United States Department of Justice issued a legal opinion on Friday declaring that the federal law banning licensed firearms dealers from selling handguns to adults under age 21 is unconstitutional. The opinion, authored by the Office of Legal Counsel, asserts that the restriction violates the Second Amendment. As a result, the Trump administration will no longer defend or prosecute cases under this law, which previously allowed 18- to 20-year-olds to buy handguns from private sellers but not from licensed dealers.

Assistant Attorney General Elliot Gaiser argued that 18-year-olds are full members of the political community because they can vote, serve on juries, be drafted, and face adult criminal penalties. While the opinion does not change the statute itself, it signals a fundamental shift in federal enforcement.

Gun rights groups, including the Firearms Policy Coalition, praised the decision and urged the department to apply similar logic to ammunition restrictions. Conversely, gun control organizations such as Everytown Law and Brady: United Against Gun Violence condemned the move. Critics argued the decision removes critical protections for a high-risk age group and represents a surrender of public safety.