Trump Administration Files Lawsuits Against State Gun Restrictions, Colorado Targeted Next
The Trump administration is mounting a direct legal assault on state and local gun laws. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon told Newsmax on Tuesday that a series of federal lawsuits targets gun restrictions across multiple states, with Colorado the next jurisdiction in the administration's crosshairs. Dhillon did not specify which Colorado laws face challenge, but the state has enacted magazine capacity limits, universal background check requirements, and red flag confiscation measures in recent years. The administration's strategy is explicit: build cases designed to reach the Supreme Court and overturn restrictions on Second Amendment grounds.
Background and Context
This litigation push follows the Supreme Court's 2022 decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, which established that gun regulations must be grounded in historical tradition. That ruling struck down New York's carry licensing scheme and opened the door for challenges to other state laws. The Trump administration is capitalizing on Bruen's momentum. Dhillon's announcement suggests a coordinated federal strategy—not random litigation. Colorado passed its magazine limit law in 2013, its universal background check requirement in 2013, and its extreme risk protection order law in 2019. Each of these provisions is vulnerable under Bruen's historical test.
What This Means for Gun Owners
Colorado gun owners currently operate under some of the strictest regulations in the country. Magazine limits cap ownership at 15 rounds for most cartridges. The state's background check system processes private transfers. The red flag law allows law enforcement and certain relatives to petition courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed dangerous. If federal courts strike these laws, Colorado carriers and owners would regain capacity options and avoid additional transfer paperwork. Neighboring states with similar restrictions—including California, New York, and Illinois—likely face identical legal pressure. Gun owners in these states should expect years of litigation before any relief materializes.
Industry Impact
Magazine manufacturers stand to gain significantly if capacity restrictions fall. Companies like Lancer Systems and Magpul Industries, which have fought Colorado restrictions, could see demand spike across multiple states. Ammunition makers benefit indirectly if owners shift to higher-capacity configurations. Firearms dealers will face operational uncertainty during the litigation period. Colorado's universal background check system generates state revenue; losing that system could reduce funding for state law enforcement processing. Manufacturers have already filed amicus briefs in previous Bruen cases, positioning themselves for these next rounds.
What to Watch Next
No specific filing dates for Colorado challenges have been announced. Federal judges will likely rule on preliminary injunctions within 6 to 12 months of filing. Appeals will follow immediately, and both sides will seek expedited review in light of Bruen. The Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, which covers Colorado, has shown willingness to reconsider gun laws post-Bruen. If the Tenth Circuit rules in the government's favor, those decisions could influence cases in other circuits. The Supreme Court's next term could include one of these cases, though 2026 or 2027 is more realistic.
DownRange Bottom Line: This is the strategy gun owners have been waiting for since Bruen—federal enforcement of Second Amendment rights through litigation. Colorado residents should prepare for years of legal battles. Even if preliminary injunctions halt enforcement temporarily, don't count on permanent relief until the Supreme Court speaks again.
