Trump is fighting for America’s constitutional rights.
The Trump administration is threatening to take California to court over a controversial new firearm law, arguing that it violates the constitutional rights of millions of lawful gun owners.
On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Justice warned Governor Gavin Newsom and California Attorney General Rob Bonta that it is prepared to file a federal lawsuit unless the state agrees to stop enforcing Assembly Bill 1127, legislation critics have labeled the “Glock ban.”
The dispute centers on whether California can restrict the sale of some of the nation’s most commonly owned handguns while remaining consistent with the Second Amendment.
In a letter sent to state officials, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon argued that law-abiding Californians have a constitutional right to purchase modern firearms for self-defense.
According to Dhillon, Americans should not be forced to rely only on older handgun models to exercise a right protected by the U.S. Constitution.
Assembly Bill 1127, which Newsom signed into law last year, is scheduled to take effect on July 1.
The legislation prohibits licensed firearm dealers from selling or transferring pistols that California classifies as “machinegun-convertible.” State officials argue that certain Glock pistols fall into that category because illegal aftermarket conversion devices can transform them into fully automatic weapons.
Current owners may keep their firearms, and the law does not apply to sales made to law enforcement agencies or the U.S. military.
The Justice Department disagrees with California’s approach, arguing that the state is restricting access to widely owned, legally manufactured firearms because criminals might illegally modify them.
Dhillon said she has already approved the filing of a federal lawsuit but is willing to postpone court action if California agrees to negotiate.
According to the Justice Department’s letter, any settlement would require California to immediately stop enforcing the challenged law, acknowledge that the restrictions violate constitutional protections, and agree to a court-enforceable order preventing similar policies in the future.
California officials have until 5:00 p.m. Tuesday to decide whether they will enter pre-lawsuit negotiations with the federal government.
Dhillon concluded by saying the Justice Department hopes the dispute can be resolved voluntarily instead of through lengthy litigation.
If no agreement is reached, the case is expected to become one of the latest high-profile legal battles between the Trump administration and California over gun rights and the scope of the Second Amendment.
The lawsuit could also become another significant test of how federal courts interpret constitutional protections for firearm ownership following recent Supreme Court decisions that expanded Second Amendment rights. A ruling could have implications that extend well beyond California, potentially influencing future gun laws in other states as well.
