Last month, NPR reported that the U.S. Department of Justice quietly revived a long‑dormant federal program that restores gun rights to certain people with felony convictions — a development that has drawn both praise and concern.

Under federal law, most people convicted of a felony lose the right to own or possess firearms. That disability can last long after a sentence is served unless the government formally restores those rights. But for many years, the program granting such relief had been dormant and rarely used.

In early 2026, the DOJ published in the Federal Register the names of 22 individuals whose federal gun rights were restored under this renewed initiative. Most on the list had decades‑old convictions and no subsequent criminal activity, according to NPR reporting, but one case raised eyebrows: Arizona state Senator Jake Hoffman, who was indicted in connection with the 2020 “fake elector” scheme and later pardoned by former President Trump.

Supporters of the DOJ’s action argue that people who have completed their sentences and demonstrated law‑abiding behavior deserve the opportunity to fully reintegrate into society, including reclaiming constitutional rights like the Second Amendment. Advocates point out that restoration programs can reduce the long‑term collateral consequences of convictions, helping individuals rebuild their lives. In this view, restoring gun rights to those who are not threats to public safety honors principles of fairness and redemption.

Critics, including gun‑violence prevention groups like Brady United, warn that the effort lacks transparency and rigorous criteria. They argue that simply publishing a list without clear information about the convictions or assessments used to grant relief makes it hard for the public to judge whether the people receiving restored rights truly pose minimal risk. The inclusion of politically connected figures, they say, further stokes concern about the integrity of the process.

The program reflects a broader Trump‑era DOJ effort to create a formal route for people with past convictions to petition for the return of their firearm rights under 18 U.S.C. § 925(c), which gives the attorney general authority to grant relief from federal firearms prohibitions. A proposed rule was published in 2025 outlining how such applications would be evaluated, emphasizing a balance between restoring rights and protecting public safety.

Nationwide, laws on restoring gun rights vary widely. Some states allow automatic or application‑based restoration after sentence completion, while others require pardons or have no clear avenue at all. Federal efforts add another layer to this patchwork, with the potential to change how gun rights restoration works across the country — but also raising important questions about safety, justice, and the standards used to decide who qualifies.

As debates over gun policy continue to dominate American politics, the renewal of this program shows how administrative action — even when subtle — can have significant consequences for both individuals and the broader conversation about rights and public safety.