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ATF Director Steven Dettelbach couldn’t contain his laughter when receiving an 80-percent lower AR-15 frame as a farewell gift upon announcing his departure. The irony wasn’t lost on observers, given that under his leadership, the ATF had mandated background checks for these very components, classifying them as firearms.
During the presentation, Dettelbach chuckled at the mention that his gift wouldn’t require tracing or registration – a stark contrast to the regulations his agency imposed on ordinary citizens.
Rules for thee, but not for me…
Steve Dettelbach’s going away present was the item he wanted to make you and me FELONS for owning! @2aDorrBro on point: pic.twitter.com/rJ1Yew3fXI
— American Firearms Association (@2A_Freedom) January 11, 2025
His tenure as ATF director saw the implementation of several gun control measures through regulatory channels, including restrictions on AR-pistols with stabilizer braces and expanded background check requirements, even affecting illegal arms traffickers.
Several courts at both district and circuit levels have since blocked various aspects of these regulatory actions.
👀WATCH:
@RepMattGaetz uses the judge's opinion from GOA’s court case in Texas to eviscerate @ATFHQ Director Steven Dettelbach and the new registration rule that his agency is trying to force on gun owners. pic.twitter.com/RC1Dzwjo3X
— Gun Owners of America (@GunOwners) May 23, 2024
Dettelbach’s resignation will take effect January 18, 2025, just before President-elect Trump assumes office.
The Firearms Policy Coalition marked the announcement on X: “ICYMI: ATF Director Steve Dettelbach has tendered his resignation, effective Jan 18th. It’s a great start to 2025.”
CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb celebrated the news, stating, “That’s one less person Trump will have to fire after he takes office, and it is one less gun prohibition lobbyist on the government payroll.”
