Trump says administration is ‘working on’ nationwide right-to-carry legislation

MACUNGIE, PENNSYLVANIA: President Donald Trump appeared to signal support for a major expansion of gun rights after revealing that his administration is "working on" nationwide right-to-carry legislation.

The remark came during a Tuesday, June 23, appearance at the Mack Trucks facility in Pennsylvania, where Trump discussed the Second Amendment and acknowledged support from the National Rifle Association.

If enacted, the proposal would allow eligible Americans to carry concealed firearms nationwide without obtaining permits, marking one of the most significant changes to firearm carry laws in recent years.

Trump sparks attention with nationwide right-to-carry comment

Trump's remarks came as he recognized National Rifle Association President Bill Bachenberg during his speech.

The president praised the NRA's long-standing support and told the crowd that the organization had endorsed him from the beginning because he had "saved the Second Amendment."

Moments later, Trump turned his attention to the issue of nationwide right-to-carry legislation.

After asking attendees whether they supported the proposal, he appeared to offer a glimpse into his administration's thinking.

"Yeah, we're working on it," Trump said.

The proposal has become a major topic among Second Amendment supporters who argue that law-abiding gun owners should not face different carry rules when traveling between states.

Mike Lee's National Constitutional Carry Act remains at the center of debate

Trump's comments came more than three months after Senator Mike Lee of Utah introduced the National Constitutional Carry Act.

The legislation would eliminate concealed-carry permit requirements nationwide for eligible Americans.

Explaining the proposal earlier this year, Lee argued that the right to bear arms should not depend on state lines.

"The Founders established a national right to keep and bear arms, not to ask for permission from hostile local officials or risk imprisonment for crossing the wrong state line," Lee said.

He added, "Many states already protect the right to carry without a permit, and it's time to reaffirm this right for all law-abiding Americans."

Lee also described the legislation as a way to protect constitutional freedoms while promoting public safety.

"The National Constitutional Carry Act will establish nationwide permitless carry to keep America safe and her people free," he said.

How nationwide right-to-carry legislation would change firearm rules

Currently, 29 states allow some form of constitutional carry, meaning residents can legally carry concealed firearms without obtaining a permit.

Lee's proposal would expand that concept nationwide.

Under the legislation, Americans who are legally allowed to possess firearms would be able to carry concealed weapons across the country without first securing a permit.

The bill would also prevent states and local governments from imposing licensing requirements, fees, or criminal penalties on otherwise lawful public carry.

However, certain restrictions would remain in place.

The proposal would preserve firearm bans in specific secured locations and on private property where gun owners are prohibited from carrying weapons.

The legislation also makes clear that individuals who are prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law would remain barred from carrying them.

The proposal is not entirely new.

Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky previously introduced similar legislation in the House in 2024, though it ultimately failed to become law.