President-elect Donald Trump has announced his plan to pursue national concealed carry reciprocity, a policy that would make concealed carry permits valid in all 50 states.
This change would allow gun owners with permits to carry their weapons across state lines, similar to how driver’s licenses are recognized nationwide.
Trump, a long-time advocate for gun rights, has championed this issue since his first presidential campaign in 2015, arguing that the right to self-defense shouldn’t end at state borders.
During his first run for office, he stated, “The right of self-defense doesn’t stop at the end of your driveway.” Trump compared the policy to driving, saying that if a driver’s license—a privilege—is recognized in every state, it makes sense for concealed carry—a right—to be similarly honored.
On Sunday, Trump’s son, Don Trump Jr., announced the policy on Instagram, writing, “Boom! My father just announced concealed carry reciprocity. The Second Amendment will stay and remain protected.”
Pro-gun groups, such as Texas Gun Rights, praised the announcement, sharing footage of Trump’s pledge on social media.
The policy has strong support from the National Rifle Association (NRA) and other pro-gun groups, which believe national reciprocity will simplify and unify gun laws, allowing citizens to exercise their Second Amendment rights consistently across states.
Trump has enjoyed backing from the NRA in all three of his presidential campaigns, and his latest position aligns with their advocacy for more uniform gun regulations nationwide.
However, the proposal has also faced significant opposition.
Gun control groups and some state lawmakers argue that reciprocity would undermine states’ rights to impose stricter gun regulations.
Everytown for Gun Safety, a nonprofit advocating for stricter gun laws, criticized Trump’s push for reciprocity, suggesting it could hinder states like California and New York from enforcing their tighter regulations.
In 2017, during Trump’s first term, House Republicans passed a similar bill, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, but it ultimately stalled in the Senate due to strong opposition from Democrats and advocacy groups.
With gun violence and mass shootings on the rise, opponents of reciprocity argue that loosening regulations could lead to more weapons crossing state lines, risking public safety.
According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been over 450 mass shootings this year alone, leading many to call for stricter, not looser, gun laws.
Nonetheless, Trump’s supporters maintain that national reciprocity would ensure law-abiding gun owners can protect themselves while traveling.
Trump has vowed to reverse gun control policies enacted under President Joe Biden, describing them as attacks on the Second Amendment.
In a recent speech to NRA members, he pledged to “roll back every Biden attack on the Second Amendment.”
With Republicans now in control of the Senate and still awaiting final results in the House, Trump, and his supporters see a window of opportunity to pass the national reciprocity bill if they secure a majority. This would make it easier for the bill to advance without facing significant opposition from Democrats.
As Trump prepares to take office, the debate around national concealed carry reciprocity is set to be a prominent issue, highlighting the divide between those seeking broader gun rights and those advocating for stricter state-level controls.