Presidents and Firearms Rights: Best and Worst for the Second Amendment

The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution, guaranteeing the right to keep and bear arms, has been a cornerstone of American liberty and a subject of intense debate. Presidents have played a significant role in shaping firearms policy through legislation, executive actions, public statements, and judicial appointments. This article evaluates the five presidents whose actions were most restrictive toward firearms rights and the five who most supported the Second Amendment, based on their policies, statements, and historical context. Given the sensitivity of this topic, perspectives vary widely, with gun control advocates emphasizing public safety and gun rights supporters prioritizing constitutional protections. And, I am very interested in your thoughts and reasoning for your favorites and least favorites. That being said, lets dive in!

The Five Worst Presidents for Firearms Rights

The following presidents are considered the most antagonistic toward firearms rights due to their legislative actions, judicial appointments, executive measures, or public advocacy for gun control. Their policies often aimed to address crime or public safety but were seen by gun rights advocates as infringing on Second Amendment freedoms.

1. Bill Clinton (1993–2001)

Bill Clinton’s presidency marked a high point for federal gun control, with two landmark laws that significantly restricted firearms access.

• Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act (1993): This act mandated federal background checks for firearm purchases from licensed dealers and initially imposed a five-day waiting period for handguns. Named after James Brady, injured in the 1981 assassination attempt on Ronald Reagan, it aimed to prevent prohibited individuals from acquiring guns (Brady Law).
• Federal Assault Weapons Ban (1994): Part of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act, this banned the manufacture, transfer, and possession of certain semi-automatic firearms classified as “assault weapons” and magazines holding more than ten rounds. Effective from 1994 to 2004, it was a major restriction on gun ownership (Assault Weapons Ban).

Clinton was a vocal proponent of these measures. In a 1993 speech, he argued, “We can’t be so fixated on our desire to preserve the rights of ordinary Americans to legitimately own handguns and rifles… that we are unable to think about reality,” reflecting his prioritization of public safety over unrestricted gun rights. His administration’s push for these laws made him a target of criticism from gun rights groups, who saw these measures as direct assaults on the Second Amendment.

2. Lyndon B. Johnson (1963–1969)

Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Gun Control Act of 1968, a foundational piece of federal firearms regulation prompted by the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr.

• Gun Control Act of 1968: This act prohibited mail-order sales of rifles and shotguns, required serial numbers on firearms, and established licensing for gun dealers. It also expanded categories of prohibited purchasers, including felons, drug users, and the mentally ill, significantly tightening federal oversight (Gun Control Act).

Johnson advocated for even stricter measures, such as national gun registration, which Congress did not adopt. In his signing statement, he expressed frustration, noting, “The voices that blocked these safeguards were not the voices of an aroused nation. They were the voices of a powerful lobby, a gun lobby, that has prevailed for the moment in an election year.” His push for comprehensive gun control, driven by the era’s violence, cemented his legacy as a president who sought to limit firearms access, much to the dismay of Second Amendment advocates.

3. Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933–1945)

Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the National Firearms Act of 1934, the first major federal gun control law, in response to gang violence during the Prohibition era.

• National Firearms Act of 1934: This act imposed a $200 tax (a significant sum at the time) on the manufacture and transfer of certain firearms, including machine guns, short-barreled shotguns, and silencers, and required their registration. It aimed to curb the use of such weapons by criminals (National Firearms Act).

While the NFA targeted specific firearms rather than broad gun ownership, it set a precedent for federal regulation, which gun rights advocates view as an early encroachment on Second Amendment rights. Roosevelt’s administration, focused on combating organized crime, saw the act as a necessary public safety measure, but its legacy is debated for establishing federal authority over firearms.

4. Barack Obama (2009–2017)

Barack Obama faced congressional resistance to major gun control legislation but used executive actions to tighten regulations, particularly after mass shootings like those in Newtown and San Bernardino.

• Executive Actions: In 2013 and 2016, Obama issued orders to clarify that individuals “in the business of selling firearms” must register as licensed dealers, thus requiring background checks for more sales, including at gun shows. He also directed the ATF to enhance background checks for purchases through trusts and increased funding for enforcement (Obama’s Gun Control Actions).
• Advocacy: Obama repeatedly called for universal background checks and a renewed assault weapons ban. In a 2015 speech, he stated, “We are the only advanced country on Earth that sees this kind of mass violence erupt with this kind of frequency. It doesn’t happen in other advanced countries. It’s not even close,” highlighting his belief in stricter gun laws (PolitiFact on Obama’s Gun Control).

Despite his limited legislative success, Obama’s executive actions and vocal advocacy made him a polarizing figure for gun rights supporters, who viewed his efforts as attempts to undermine the Second Amendment.

5. Richard Nixon (1969–1974)

Richard Nixon did not sign major gun control laws, but his private statements and policy proposals indicate a willingness to restrict firearms access.

• Private Views: In a 1972 taped conversation, Nixon remarked, “I don’t know why any individual should have a right to have a revolver in his house,” suggesting a restrictive view on gun ownership.
• Public Proposals: In 1972, he proposed banning “Saturday night specials” (cheap handguns), though Congress did not pass this legislation.

While Nixon’s presidency saw no significant federal gun control, his expressed support for restrictions aligns him with presidents who favored limiting Second Amendment rights, particularly in urban crime contexts.

The Five Best Presidents for Firearms Rights

The following presidents are celebrated by gun rights advocates for their actions to protect or expand Second Amendment freedoms, either through legislation, judicial appointments, or a lack of restrictive policies. Their tenures often coincided with periods of minimal federal regulation or active support for gun ownership.

1. Ronald Reagan (1981–1989)

Ronald Reagan is a hero to many Second Amendment supporters for signing the Firearm Owners Protection Act, despite a mixed record that includes earlier gun control support.

• Firearm Owners Protection Act (1986): This act amended the Gun Control Act of 1968 to protect gun owners by prohibiting a national firearms registry, limiting ATF inspections of dealers, allowing sales at gun shows, and easing interstate long-gun sales. It was a significant victory for gun rights (Firearm Owners Protection Act).
• Public Support: A lifelong NRA member, Reagan wrote in a 1975 Guns & Ammo article, “In my opinion, proposals to outlaw or confiscate guns are simply unrealistic panaceas,” affirming his commitment to gun rights.

However, as California governor, Reagan signed the Mulford Act (1967), banning public carry of loaded firearms, and post-presidency, he supported the Brady Bill and Assault Weapons Ban. Despite these, and because this article focuses on his national impact, his presidential actions, particularly FOPA, make him a key figure for gun rights advocates.

2. George W. Bush (2001–2009)

George W. Bush’s presidency saw significant advancements for gun rights, including the expiration of a major gun control law and new protections for the firearms industry.

• Expiration of Assault Weapons Ban (2004): Bush allowed the 1994 ban to expire, lifting restrictions on semi-automatic firearms and high-capacity magazines, a move celebrated by gun rights groups.
• Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (2005): This act shielded gun manufacturers and dealers from lawsuits related to criminal misuse of their products, bolstering the industry’s legal standing (Protection of Lawful Commerce).
• Judicial Appointments: Bush appointed Justices John Roberts and Samuel Alito, who later supported gun rights in District of Columbia v. Heller (2008), affirming an individual’s right to possess firearms.

Bush’s actions, combined with his public support for the Second Amendment, solidified his reputation as a pro-gun president, despite expressing mild support for background checks.

3. Donald Trump (2017–2021)

Donald Trump positioned himself as a staunch defender of the Second Amendment, earning strong support from gun rights organizations like the NRA.

• Judicial Appointments: Trump appointed Justices Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett, who are expected to uphold gun rights in future cases, building on Heller and McDonald v. Chicago (2010).
• Regulatory Rollbacks: He signed a bill repealing an Obama-era regulation that restricted gun purchases by certain individuals with mental illnesses. His administration also considered but did not fully implement bump stock bans until after the 2017 Las Vegas shooting (Trump on Gun Control). As a result, he is lower on the list.
• Public Statements: In a 2016 NRA speech, Trump declared, “The Second Amendment is under siege. But with me in the White House, it will be protected and celebrated,” aligning himself firmly with gun rights advocates.

Trump’s actions and rhetoric made him a favorite among Second Amendment supporters, though his bump stock ban drew some criticism from the gun rights community. That being said, his second term is in its infancy and his actions and appointments to date appear to be giving him an edge that may move him up to the number 2 or 1 position by the end of this term.

4. Theodore Roosevelt (1901–1909)

Theodore Roosevelt, a hunter and firearms enthusiast, was a vocal advocate for the Second Amendment and its role in national preparedness.

• Advocacy for Gun Ownership: Roosevelt encouraged rifle practice, stating, “The first step – in the direction of preparation to avert war if possible, and to be fit for war if it should come – is to teach men to shoot!” He believed widespread shooting skills supported both peace and defense (Roosevelt on Guns).
• No Federal Restrictions: His presidency saw no major federal gun control laws, reflecting an era when gun ownership was largely unregulated at the federal level.

Roosevelt’s personal collection of firearms, including Winchester rifles, and his promotion of shooting sports underscored his commitment to the Second Amendment, making him a historical icon for gun rights.

5. Harry Truman (1945–1953)

Harry Truman’s presidency was notable for its lack of federal gun control legislation, and his personal affinity for firearms aligns him with gun rights supporters.

• No Major Legislation: From 1945 to 1953, no significant federal gun control laws were enacted, maintaining a relatively unrestricted environment for gun ownership.
• Personal Gun Ownership: Truman owned firearms and was photographed with them, including pistols once belonging to Jesse James, indicating his comfort with guns (Truman with Firearms).

While Truman did not actively expand gun rights, his presidency’s lack of restrictive policies and his personal engagement with firearms make him a favorable figure for Second Amendment advocates.

A Footnote on Reagan

For a California audience, it’s worth noting that state-level actions, such as Reagan’s Mulford Act, are not the focus here, as the query pertains to federal actions during presidencies. California’s stringent gun laws, like those signed by Reagan as governor, highlight the contrast between state and federal roles in firearms regulation (Mulford Act).

Conclusion

The Second Amendment remains a contentious issue, with presidents shaping its interpretation through their policies and rhetoric. Bill Clinton, Lyndon B. Johnson, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Barack Obama, and Richard Nixon are seen as the most restrictive due to their legislative and advocacy efforts. In contrast, Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush, Donald Trump, Theodore Roosevelt, and Harry Truman are celebrated for supporting gun rights through pro-gun laws, judicial appointments, or minimal regulation. These rankings reflect a balance of actions, statements, and historical context, acknowledging the ongoing debate between public safety and constitutional rights.