Breaking: Congressman Clyde Says Trump DOJ Will NOT Fight NFA Ruling

The deadline has now passed for President Donald Trump’s Department of Justice to file an appeal in the 5th Circuit regarding the recent National Firearms Act ruling. According to Congressman Andrew Clyde (R‑GA), the DOJ will not appeal, a major development for gun owners and a significant legal win for the plaintiffs in the case.

With the appeal window closed, the 5th Circuit’s decision remains in place. For the plaintiffs directly involved in the lawsuits, this means they can legally acquire suppressors, short‑barreled rifles, and short‑barreled shotguns without paying NFA taxes or submitting registration paperwork. Whether this protection extends to all gun owners is now the center of a heated national debate.

Online, Second Amendment advocates are split. Some argue the ruling speaks for itself and that the expiration of the appeal deadline opens the door for broader action. Others urge caution, noting that the decision technically applies only to the plaintiffs and that the ATF has not issued updated guidance.

Gun Owners of America announced on X that they, along with Silencer Shop, Brandon Herrera, and Texas State Rep. Wes Virdell, intend to begin transferring suppressors at 12:01 a.m. Central Time without following previous NFA requirements. GOA says it has formally notified both the ATF and DOJ of its plans.

This is a historic moment for gun owners. Victories of this scale are rare, especially at the lower‑court level. And while the Trump administration has taken varied positions on Second Amendment issues, choosing not to fight this ruling marks a major shift, one that could reshape the national conversation around the NFA.