Trump Jr.'s 'Amazon of guns' could make millions under new proposed firearm rule
A proposed US firearm rule could allow online gun and ammunition sales, potentially benefiting Trump Jr.'s new venture, described as an "Amazon of guns." The regulation aims to ease restrictions on interstate firearm transactions, enabling e-commerce-style sales that could generate millions in revenue for the platform.
Background
- Donald Trump Jr. (the president's son) co-founded a company called "1775 LLC" in 2024 that operates an online marketplace for firearms, often pitched as an "Amazon of guns."
- The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) proposed a rule change that would loosen regulations on how gun dealers can sell firearms online and ship them across state lines, potentially allowing more direct-to-consumer sales.
- Currently, federal law requires background checks through licensed dealers (FFLs) for interstate gun sales; the proposed rule would eliminate or streamline some of those requirements, which critics say would weaken enforcement.
- The rule change could significantly boost revenue for Trump Jr.'s business, which is positioned to be a major beneficiary of a less regulated online firearms marketplace. Ethics watchdogs have raised concerns about the appearance of a conflict of interest given the president's son's involvement.