The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) is calling on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate whether the agency improperly aligned itself with anti-gun advocacy groups during the Biden administration.
In a letter to FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel Lawrence G. Keane urged the Commission to support implementation of President Trump’s February 2025 Executive Order protecting Second Amendment rights.
Allegations of Collusion
According to NSSF, the Biden White House worked hand-in-hand with gun control organizations like Everytown, Brady, and Giffords to pressure federal agencies — including the FTC — into targeting lawful firearm commerce.
Keane wrote that these NGOs filed a series of “complaints” with the Commission that he described as “advertisements” for their fundraising operations, not legitimate consumer protection efforts.
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The letter points to prior Biden directives encouraging the FTC to study firearm advertising, particularly how manufacturers market to minors and use military imagery. NSSF argues the aim was to suppress lawful gun ownership by choking off advertising and commerce.
NSSF’s Demands
The trade group is asking the FTC to take several steps:
- Reaffirm support for Second Amendment rights in line with Trump’s Executive Order.
- Review Biden-era actions to determine if commissioners or staff improperly aligned with anti-gun NGOs.
- Refer findings to the Attorney General for possible follow-up.
- Make the results public to ensure transparency.
Keane warned that without such action, the same playbook could be revived under a future administration.
Targeting Lawful Advertising
NSSF’s letter also challenges the substance of the NGO complaints, which sought to equate firearm advertising with cigarette marketing.
The group argues there is no evidence that lawful ads — such as those depicting supervised youth shooting sports — cause illegal firearm use by minors. Keane cited a Ninth Circuit decision striking down California’s ban on “youth-oriented” gun ads as unconstitutional.
The letter further defends industry practices, noting that advertising firearms for self-defense is not deceptive but consistent with the Second Amendment’s recognition of the right to armed self-protection.
“Advocating self-defense, therefore, cannot constitutionally be subject to government regulation,” NSSF wrote.
Looking Ahead
Keane concluded by framing the issue as central to Trump’s broader effort to roll back Biden-era gun control measures.
“The Second Amendment is foundational to maintaining all other rights held by Americans,” he wrote, urging the FTC to seize the “historic opportunity” to contribute to the defense of American liberty.
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