Texas judge declares Biden-era 2022 ghost gun rule unconstitutional
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U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor in Fort Worth declared the Biden administration's 2022 ghost guns rule unconstitutional on Monday. The ruling came after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the same regulation in March 2025. O'Connor blocked enforcement against Defense Distributed and Second Amendment Foundation members for some products.
Key Facts
- U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor ruled Monday that the 2022 ghost guns rule violates the Second Amendment and is too vague under the Fifth Amendment's due process guarantees.
- The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Biden administration's 2022 ghost guns regulation in March 2025 by a 7-2 vote.
- The rule requires manufacturers of firearms kits and parts to add serial numbers, obtain licenses and run background checks on buyers.
- O'Connor blocked enforcement of the rule against Defense Distributed and Second Amendment Foundation members for some of the company's products.
The Texas Ruling
U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor in Fort Worth ruled Monday that the Biden administration's 2022 ghost guns rule violates the right to keep and bear arms under the Second Amendment. He found the rule too vague to satisfy the Fifth Amendment's due process guarantees. O'Connor wrote that self-manufacture of firearms in America was common and foundational to establishing the nation. The judge blocked the rule from being enforced against Defense Distributed and Second Amendment Foundation members with respect to some products.
Gun Kit Regulation
The 2022 rule requires manufacturers of firearms kits and parts, such as partially complete frames or receivers, to mark their products with serial numbers. It also requires those manufacturers to obtain licenses and conduct background checks on purchasers, as already required for other commercially made firearms. The rule specifies that kits and components are covered by the definition of 'firearm' under the 1968 Gun Control Act. Commercial manufacturers of such kits must become licensed under the regulation.
Reaction and Enforcement
Second Amendment Foundation executive director Adam Kraut called the Biden-era rule 'a mess' in a statement. The Trump administration has defended the rule in court. O'Connor was appointed by Republican former President George W. Bush.
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Texas judge declares Biden-era 2022 ghost gun rule unconstitutional
