The Department of Veterans Affairs will restore gun rights to thousands of veterans in 2026, ending a decades-long policy that barred veterans with fiduciaries from purchasing firearms – sparking national discussion on Second Amendment protections.

For over 30 years, veterans assigned fiduciaries to manage benefits were automatically flagged in the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System, preventing them from buying or possessing guns – even if they posed no danger to others.

And the NRA Institute for Legislative Action called the policy reversal a long-overdue correction. The VA is working with the Justice Department to remove veterans previously flagged in the FBI database, restoring their ability to purchase firearms legally.

Representative Michael Bost, Republican of Illinois and chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, supports the change and is advancing legislation to permanently protect veterans’ gun rights after fiduciary appointments.

And retired Air Force Col. Val Finnell said, “Losing your gun rights because you can’t manage your checkbook is wrong and ridiculous. Veterans should not have fewer rights and protections than other Americans.”

Democrats express concerns as AG Pam Bondi weighs in

However some Democratic lawmakers express concerns about risks to public safety, as the policy shift will allow thousands of veterans previously barred from gun ownership to regain their Second Amendment rights but veterans can be prone to suicide.

“Guns are used in the vast majority of veteran suicides,” Senator Richard Blumenthal, Democrat of Connecticut and the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, said. “This administration should be focused on measures that will actually help end veteran suicide and make our communities safer.”

But Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized that the policy aligns with the Gun Control Act, ensuring veterans’ rights are preserved while preventing prohibited individuals from obtaining firearms.

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Douglas “Doug” Collins added it is unfair to penalize veterans for needing help managing their finances.

The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1791, states: “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”

This amendment protects individuals’ right to own and carry weapons, originally tied to the concept of a militia for state defense.

But over time, it has been interpreted to guarantee private citizens’ rights to possess firearms for self-defense, hunting, and other lawful purposes.