The Trump administration is currently pressing the United States Postal Service to modify long-standing regulations to permit the shipment of concealable handguns through the mail. This push follows a determination by the Department of Justice that a 99-year-old ban on the practice is unconstitutional.
The proposed policy shift would fundamentally alter how firearms are handled by the national postal system, moving away from a century of restrictions on small-frame handguns. If implemented, the change would allow a broader category of weapons to be transported via the USPS, provided they meet specific safety and packaging requirements.
The move has already sparked significant legal and political opposition, with several state officials arguing that the change would create a critical security vulnerability. Critics suggest that removing these restrictions could undermine existing state-level gun control measures and facilitate the illegal movement of firearms across state lines.
Proposed Reclassification of Mailable Firearms
Under the framework outlined by the USPS, the administration seeks to reclassify revolvers and other concealable handguns as mailable firearms. Currently, the postal service allows the shipment of certain firearms, such as long-barreled rifles and shotguns, under strict guidelines. The new proposal would subject handguns to these same existing rules.
According to the proposed changes, any handgun sent via the USPS would be required to be shipped unloaded and securely packaged. By aligning the rules for handguns with those of long guns, the administration aims to standardize the shipping process for firearm owners and licensed dealers using the postal network.
The catalyst for this regulatory push was a Department of Justice declaration stating that the nearly century-old ban on mailing concealable handguns is unconstitutional. This legal interpretation provides the foundation for the administration’s effort to dismantle the restriction and expand the types of weapons permitted in the mail stream.
State-Level Opposition and Legal Challenges
The proposal has met with immediate resistance from a coalition of state leaders. California Attorney General Rob Bonta has emerged as a leading critic, describing the potential policy as a “dangerous loophole” that could jeopardize public safety and enable weapons trafficking.
Bonta is not alone in his opposition. He recently joined a coalition of 22 attorneys general, primarily from Democratic-led states, to submit a formal comment letter to the Postal Service. The coalition argues that the proposed rule ignores the safety risks associated with making concealable weapons more accessible via the mail.
In a public statement, Bonta criticized the administration’s approach, stating, “Once again, the Trump Administration is recklessly disregarding the safety of the people it is sworn to serve.” He further warned that the rule “could open the door for prohibited individuals to obtain weapons without background checks or regard for state firearms laws.”
Implications for Gun Control and Trafficking
The core of the debate centers on the intersection of federal postal regulations and state sovereignty regarding firearm laws. Opponents of the rule argue that by allowing handguns to be mailed, the federal government is effectively bypassing the stringent background checks and registration requirements mandated by various states.
The concern is that the ability to mail concealable handguns would make it significantly easier for prohibited persons—such as convicted felons or those with specific mental health adjudications—to acquire firearms. By utilizing the USPS, these individuals could potentially receive weapons in a manner that evades the scrutiny of licensed firearm dealers.
the coalition of attorneys general contends that this shift would facilitate the trafficking of firearms from states with lenient gun laws to those with stricter regulations. This “pipeline” effect is a primary concern for law enforcement agencies attempting to curb the flow of illegal weapons into urban centers.
Key Points of the Proposed USPS Change
- Reclassification: Revolvers and concealable handguns would be moved into the “mailable firearms” category.
- Shipping Standards: Handguns must be shipped unloaded and in secure packaging, matching the current requirements for long guns.
- Legal Basis: The Department of Justice has declared the existing 99-year-old ban unconstitutional.
- Opposition: A coalition of 22 state attorneys general has formally opposed the rule, citing risks of weapons trafficking.
What Happens Next
The United States Postal Service is currently reviewing the comments submitted by the coalition of attorneys general and other stakeholders. As the agency evaluates the legal arguments regarding the constitutionality of the ban and the potential for increased trafficking, the final decision on whether to implement the rule remains pending.
Interested parties and legal observers are awaiting the official response from the USPS regarding the comment period and any subsequent adjustments to the proposed rule. The outcome will likely determine whether the 99-year-old restriction remains in place or if the USPS becomes a viable conduit for the delivery of concealable handguns.
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