What the New ATF Leadership Means for Home‑Gun Builders

In late April 2026 President Donald Trump’s Department of Justice unveiled a “landmark package” of 34 proposed and final rule changes for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche framed the initiative as part of a broader effort to roll back what he called the weaponization of federal authority against law‑abiding gun owners. At a press conference with new ATF Director Robert Cekada, Blanche said the package “reduces unnecessary burdens on lawful gunowners and licensed businesses” and eliminates ambiguities that had led to inconsistent enforcement. He insisted the Second Amendment is not a second‑class right and vowed to defend the rights of gun owners.

For companies like 80 % Arms—and the millions of hobbyists who build privately made firearms (PMFs)—the most important question is what this new leadership means for unfinished 80 % lower receivers. The answer is nuanced.

Blanche’s DOJ Keeps the 2022 “Frame or Receiver” Rule in Place

When President Trump took office, gun‑rights advocates expected his administration to overturn several Biden‑era gun regulations. One of the most controversial rules was ATF Final Rule 2021R‑05F, better known as the “frame or receiver” rule. Finalised on 26 April 2022, the rule redefined a firearm’s “frame or receiver” to include partially complete, disassembled or non‑functional frames/receivers and certain weapon parts kits if they could be readily converted into a working gun. Under this definition, sellers of 80 % lowers and build kits must obtain a Federal Firearms Licence (FFL), serialize the parts and run background checks on buyers.

In April 2026, however, AmmoLand reported that lawyers for the plaintiffs in the VanDerStok v. Bondi and Defense Distributed v. Bondi cases were notified that the DOJ would not issue a new frame‑and‑receiver rule. Blanche’s department had decided to retain the Biden‑era regulation, meaning the 2022 definition still governs unfinished frames and parts kits. That move surprised many pro‑Second‑Amendment activists, who had anticipated a narrower definition. The decision suggests that while Blanche’s DOJ is rolling back some regulations, it sees legal and practical reasons to keep the existing framework for ghost‑gun kits.

Cekada: Support for Lawful DIY Builds but Respect for the Supreme Court

During his Senate confirmation process, Robert Cekada was pressed on whether he would scale back the 2022 frame‑or‑receiver rule. In written responses to Senator Mike Lee’s questions, Cekada acknowledged that “it is lawful for a citizen to make his or her own firearm for personal use.” He explained that the 2022 rule treated certain readily convertible kits and mostly complete frames/receivers as firearms, triggering background‑check and serialization requirements for FFLs. However, he emphasized that “not all incomplete frames or receivers are firearms under federal law.”

Cekada noted that the Supreme Court’s 2025 decision in Bondi v. VanDerStok upheld parts of the rule, and he pledged to implement the law consistent with that ruling. He also stressed that individuals remain free to purchase and assemble DIY kits, and that raw materials are not regulated. Cekada committed to ensuring that ATF regulations reflect congressional intent, comply with judicial rulings and focus on criminal misuse rather than burdening lawful conduct.

What It Means for 80 % Lower Owners and Manufacturers

1. The 2022 rule still applies

Despite the Trump DOJ’s wider deregulatory agenda, the definition of “frame or receiver” promulgated in 2022 remains in force. Businesses selling 80 % lowers and complete parts kits must continue to hold FFLs, serialize products and conduct background checks. Failure to comply can result in felony charges.

2. Unfinished blanks and raw materials remain unregulated

Cekada’s testimony clarifies that truly incomplete blanks and raw materials are not considered firearms. Hobbyists can still purchase jigs and drill presses to machine their own receivers from scratch. The key distinction is whether the product is “readily convertible” into a working firearm; kits that include all necessary parts are treated as firearms.

3. Further litigation is ongoing

Although the Supreme Court upheld parts of the frame‑and‑receiver rule, lower courts are still considering as‑applied challenges over how the rule is enforced. The AmmoLand report notes that plaintiffs in VanDerStok and Defense Distributed intend to pursue constitutional claims. Manufacturers worry that serialization requirements could drive up costs and push many small businesses out of the market.

4. “New Era of Reform” may bring other changes

Blanche’s regulatory package includes repeal of the pistol‑brace rule and revisions to the definition of “engaged in the business” of dealing in firearms. While these changes reduce burdens on FFLs and gun owners, they do not repeal the ghost‑gun rule. Blanche insists his package aligns regulations with Supreme Court precedent and ends inconsistent enforcement.

Key Takeaways for 80 % Arms Customers

• Don’t assume deregulation: The pro‑2A rhetoric from the administration has not resulted in immediate relief for unfinished‑receiver kits. The 2022 frame‑and‑receiver rule remains the law of the land.
• Know the difference between blanks and kits: Raw blanks or partially machined receivers that are not “nearly complete” fall outside ATF regulation. However, kits that include most of the necessary parts will be treated as firearms.
• Expect continued litigation and possible clarifications: Legal challenges could further limit the rule’s scope. The ATF’s new classification board and Cekada’s emphasis on aligning rules with constitutional protections may lead to clearer guidance.

Final Thoughts

The new ATF leadership under Todd Blanche and Robert Cekada is sending mixed signals to the DIY firearm community. On the one hand, Blanche talks about ending the weaponization of federal authority and simplifying regulations. On the other hand, his DOJ has chosen to keep the Biden‑era ghost‑gun regulation in place. Cekada, meanwhile, acknowledges the legality of home builds and promises a more consistent, law‑focused regulatory approach. For now, builders and manufacturers must continue to navigate the 2022 rule while keeping an eye on further reforms and court rulings.