Could Trump Be The One To Enact Strict Gun Laws

If history is any guide, the greatest threat to gun owners isn’t coming from Democrats, it’s coming from a leader who sees laws as weapons against his enemies.

One of the many misconceptions about Nazi Germany is the belief that Adolf Hitler broadly disarmed the German populace. In reality, Hitler’s gun policies were not about restricting firearms across the board but about selectively determining who could own them. Under the 1938 German Weapons Act, the Nazi regime relaxed gun ownership laws for “loyal” Germans, non-Jewish citizens who posed no threat to the state, while disarming Jews and political dissidents. This was part of a broader authoritarian strategy: ensuring that only those who supported the regime could remain armed while leaving targeted groups defenseless.

The Nazis understood that firearms were both a means of resistance and a symbol of power. They had no intention of eliminating guns entirely; they simply wanted to control who had access to them. This approach was crucial in consolidating power, eliminating threats, and ensuring that when the government cracked down on enemies, there was little chance of armed resistance.

Trump’s Pattern of Targeting ‘Enemies’

Donald Trump has long demonstrated a willingness to use state power against those he perceives as political adversaries. This pattern has been evident throughout his career, but particularly during his presidency and in his post-presidency behavior:

Perkins Coie & Legal Retaliation: Trump and his allies have targeted the law firm Perkins Coie, which has been involved in legal battles against him. His rhetoric has suggested an intent to dismantle institutions that challenge him legally.

Weaponizing the DOJ: Trump has pressured the Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute his political enemies, including Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden, while demanding immunity for himself and his allies.

Targeting Jack Smith’s Legal Team: Trump has gone after the legal professionals representing special counsel Jack Smith, attempting to intimidate those who participate in legal proceedings against him.

Intimidating Political Opponents: From calling for the imprisonment of political opponents to encouraging violent rhetoric among his supporters, Trump has repeatedly demonstrated that he believes in punishing those who stand in his way.

Pardoning Violent January 6 Rioters: Trump has openly expressed support for the January 6 insurrectionists, calling them “patriots” and pardoning those convicted of violent crimes against law enforcement. This signals that he supports gun rights for his loyalists, even when they use violence against the state, while likely restricting them for those he sees as threats.

These actions suggest that, if given the opportunity, Trump would extend this pattern beyond just legal battles. He has already shown a willingness to bend institutions to serve his personal vendettas, why wouldn’t he do the same with the Second Amendment?

Selective Gun Rights Under a Trump Regime

Trump's authoritarian tendencies suggest that his approach to gun control would mirror that of past strongmen, including Hitler. Rather than being a universal protector of gun rights, Trump is likely to restrict gun ownership to his allies while disarming those he sees as enemies.

How could this happen?

Redefining ‘Threats’ to Public Safety – Just as he has called Democrats, journalists, and protesters “enemies of the people,” Trump could frame gun ownership as a privilege for the “right” people. Protesters, journalists, and political activists could suddenly find themselves reclassified as security threats, justifying new restrictions on their ability to own firearms.

Using Federal Power for Selective Enforcement – While publicly advocating for gun rights, Trump’s administration could selectively enforce restrictions, ensuring that his supporters remain armed while opponents are systematically disarmed through legal loopholes or executive actions.

Expanding the Definition of ‘Domestic Terrorist’ – The groundwork has already been laid to classify certain groups as domestic threats. The question is: who gets labeled a terrorist under Trump? If he decides that left-wing activists, environmentalists, or anti-fascist groups are a danger to national security, they could find themselves targeted by new restrictions on firearm ownership.

State-Level Manipulation – Republican-led state governments, eager to align with Trump, could create laws that expand access to guns for Trump loyalists while limiting access to those deemed politically unreliable. This could include restrictive background checks that flag individuals based on political activity or social media history.

Trump Himself is Prohibited from Gun Ownership – As a convicted felon, Trump is legally barred from owning or possessing a firearm under federal law. This is the ultimate irony: while positioning himself as the ultimate defender of the Second Amendment, he himself cannot legally own a gun. He will push for exceptions for himself and his allies while further restricting access for those he opposes?

The Real Threat to the Second Amendment

Trump’s supporters often rally around the Second Amendment as a safeguard against tyranny. But history shows that tyrants don’t eliminate guns—they eliminate access to guns for their enemies. A second Trump administration, emboldened by past successes in targeting opposition, could very well create a system where only his most loyal followers are allowed to remain armed.

If Trump were truly a champion of the Second Amendment, he would defend everyone’s right to bear arms, not just those who pledge loyalty to him. His track record suggests the opposite: an eagerness to punish opponents and consolidate power in the hands of those who serve him.

If history is any guide, the greatest threat to gun owners isn’t coming from Democrats, it’s coming from a leader who sees laws as weapons against his enemies.

Originally published March 17, 2025 on Oregon’s Bay Area Facebook page.