Hochul Pushes New York Gun Crackdown After Trump ATF Rolls Back Biden-Era Firearm Rules

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A major battle over the Second Amendment is intensifying as New York Gov. Kathy Hochul moves to expand state gun restrictions following the Trump administration's sweeping rollback of numerous Biden-era federal firearm regulations.

The clash comes after newly confirmed ATF Director Robert Cekada signed what the Department of Justice described as a "landmark rulemaking package" on April 29, 2026, revising or repealing dozens of firearm regulations following a comprehensive review ordered under President Donald Trump's Executive Order 14206, Protecting Second Amendment Rights. DOJ officials said the reforms are intended to reduce unnecessary burdens on law-abiding gun owners and federally licensed firearms dealers while keeping enforcement focused on violent criminals and willful offenders.

According to New York Governor Kathy Hochul's office, the state now intends to pursue new executive actions and legislation designed to offset federal regulatory changes. Hochul argued the Trump administration's actions will weaken gun safety protections nationwide.

"Time and time again, we see the Trump Administration concede to the gun lobby," Hochul said. "These rollbacks are yet another giveaway that will have devastating and dangerous effects across the country." She pledged that New York would strengthen what she called the state's nation-leading gun laws through additional regulations and legislation.

Supporters of the Trump administration's reforms reject that characterization, arguing the federal changes restore constitutional protections while eliminating regulations they believe exceeded statutory authority. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the reforms bring federal firearm regulations into closer alignment with Supreme Court precedent while simplifying compliance for lawful gun owners and firearms businesses.

Hochul's initiative received immediate backing from Everytown for Gun Safety, the gun-control organization supported by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Marianna Mitchem of Everytown praised the governor's proposal, arguing the ATF changes place "gun industry profits over human lives" and urged other states to adopt similar measures.

The dispute underscores the growing divide between Washington and Democrat-led states over firearms policy. While the Trump administration has prioritized expanding Second Amendment protections and narrowing federal regulations, states like New York are moving to enact their own restrictions to preserve tighter gun-control policies.

The coming legislative battle is expected to become one of the nation's most closely watched constitutional and political fights, with supporters framing it as a defense of the Second Amendment and opponents arguing stricter state laws remain necessary for public safety.