Trump reverses Biden gun policy, eyes new tariffs, and influences defense spending

In a series of significant policy shifts, the Trump administration is actively working to dismantle gun regulations previously enacted by the Biden administration, proposing new tariffs, and advocating for substantial increases in defense spending as of July 2026. The administration has initiated over three dozen rollbacks of gun restrictions, aiming to modernize federal gun policy and reduce burdens on gun owners and businesses. These changes include proposals that could allow firearms to be shipped directly to buyers' homes with online verification and background checks, as well as the controversial removal of safeguards that previously prevented veterans experiencing mental health crises from easily acquiring firearms.

Economically, the Trump administration has aggressively expanded its tariff policy, continuing to impose duties on goods from various countries. While some tariffs enacted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act were struck down by the Supreme Court in February 2026, the administration swiftly responded with new global tariffs, including a 10% tariff under the Trade Act of 1974. Additionally, new tariffs have been proposed on imports from numerous trading partners, citing concerns over goods produced with forced labor.

Regarding national security, the administration has proposed record-high defense budgets, with a request for $1.5 trillion for Fiscal Year 2027, along with significant supplemental funding. These budgetary plans prioritize investments in personnel, munitions, artificial intelligence, cyber capabilities, drones, and weapons procurement, reflecting a push to elevate defense spending to its highest levels in decades.