Trump Directed Justice Department to Drop NFA Appeal
The administration will not challenge a ruling that exempts certain gun owners from federal registration requirements.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Law
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Should the federal government continue enforcing registration requirements for suppressors and short-barreled firearms?
President Donald Trump directed the Justice Department not to appeal a federal court ruling that invalidated registration requirements for certain firearms under the National Firearms Act. The decision follows a August 5, 2026, ruling by U.S. District Judge James Wesley Hendrix.
Why it matters
The court found that registration provisions are unenforceable under taxing power because the current National Firearms Act generates no revenue from the items. The ruling effectively halts enforcement for specific plaintiffs and members of covered gun-rights groups.
The ruling applies to suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and short-barreled shotguns for plaintiffs and members of gun-rights organizations across 15 states. It notably excludes machine guns and destructive devices from the injunction.
The players
Donald Trump
Donald Trump serves as the current President of the United States.
James Wesley Hendrix
James Wesley Hendrix is a U.S. District Judge who issued the ruling in the Northern District of Texas.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is the federal law enforcement agency responsible for issuing guidance to implement the court order.
Justice Department
The Justice Department is the federal executive agency directed not to challenge the ruling regarding National Firearms Act registration.
The details
The injunction, which took effect August 13, 2026, prevents enforcement of registration requirements for specified groups. Federal prosecutors in Alabama have already dismissed one criminal count against a defendant in light of the court's decision.
Timeline
Congress eliminated the $200 federal tax for NFA items in 2025.
Judge James Wesley Hendrix issued the ruling on August 5, 2026.
The injunction took effect on August 13, 2026.
The decision not to appeal was reported on September 18, 2026.
The Justice Department faced an original appeals deadline of October 5, 2026.
Political Context
Opponents of the administration argue that this move undermines federal public safety standards and the established regulatory framework for restricted firearms. They contend that the ruling creates a patchwork of compliance requirements that complicates law enforcement efforts nationwide.
Eligible members of gun-rights organizations may see an immediate change in how they are required to register specific items like suppressors and short-barreled rifles. However, existing federal restrictions on prohibited persons remain in full force despite the injunction.
The takeaway
This ruling highlights a shifting interpretation of federal taxing power as a basis for firearm regulation. Gun owners should continue to monitor official guidance, as the injunction only provides relief for specific plaintiffs and organizational members.
What happens next
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is expected to issue formal guidance regarding the implementation of the court order in the near future.
Further reading
For more background on current judicial and legislative trends, visit Law.
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Should the federal government continue enforcing registration requirements for suppressors and short-barreled firearms?
