During a Q&A session in the Oval Office on Friday, President Donald Trump reignited the national conversation on gun rights by proposing a bold expansion of concealed-carry laws to include Washington, D.C. Trump argued that residents of the nation’s capital must have the ability to protect themselves amid a surge in violent crime.
“People have to be able to protect themselves,” Trump said. “Especially in Washington, you walk down the street, a guy comes up and slugs you. He’s got a pistol in his hand. You can be tough, you can be powerful, or you can be a guy that weighs 100 pounds with a gun in your hand, and I’ll bet on the guy with the gun 100 percent of the time.”
The president underscored his commitment to the Second Amendment, stating, “I’m a Second Amendment person all the way.”
The proposal aligns with Trump’s broader agenda to restore law and order in America’s major cities. Earlier in 2025, he signed an executive order aimed at increasing law enforcement presence and speeding up concealed-carry permits in D.C. The order also established a task force to reduce bureaucratic delays, making it easier for law-abiding residents to exercise their constitutional rights without unnecessary hurdles.
The push for expanded concealed carry in the district comes amid recent shifts in local gun policy. Federal prosecutors announced they would no longer pursue felony charges for possessing rifles and shotguns, signaling a gradual move toward more permissive gun laws. Advocates argue that allowing everyday citizens to carry firearms legally has helped reduce crime in other parts of the country, making this expansion a sensible step for improving public safety.
Meanwhile, critics warn that loosening concealed-carry restrictions could lead to increased gun violence. However, President Trump dismissed these concerns, emphasizing that local governments should not restrict Second Amendment rights.