Newsom attacks proposed federal gun rule changes as California crime rates fall sharply
Sacramento, California – California’s fight over gun policy is moving back to Washington, but Gov. Gavin Newsom argues the consequences could reach far beyond federal rulebooks. He says proposed Trump administration changes would weaken safeguards used to trace firearms, screen buyers and reduce access to guns during periods of crisis.
The dispute comes as California is reporting sharp declines in crime. According to state data, the homicide rate dropped 18.6% from 2024 to 2025, robbery fell 19.9%, property crime declined 14.3% and violent crime fell 10.2%. The state’s homicide rate reached 3.5 per 100,000 residents, its lowest since statewide reporting began in 1966.
Newsom condemned the administration’s proposed firearm regulation changes, arguing they could make it easier for firearms to reach traffickers, straw purchasers and people in crisis.
“The Trump administration is moving forward with changes it openly admits may result in more mass shootings and military veteran suicides,” Newsom said. “It calls child safety warnings ‘an undue burden’ on firearms dealers.”
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Among the proposals criticized by California is a change that could allow firearms purchased remotely to be shipped directly to buyers after remote identity verification. Another would permit dealers to destroy older records that law enforcement agencies can use when tracing guns connected to crimes.
California says its stricter in-state requirements would remain in place, including rules requiring firearm transfers to take place in person through licensed dealers. Still, state officials argue weaker federal standards could create vulnerabilities, particularly because more than half of crime guns recovered and traced in California originated from out-of-state dealers.
Three California agencies have submitted formal objections. The California Department of Public Health warned that eliminating in-person transfers removes an opportunity for dealers to notice signs of intoxication, coercion or crisis. Its full comments are available here.
CalVet separately raised concerns about changes involving mental health records, pointing to the disproportionate role firearms play in veteran suicides. The department’s comments can be read here.
The California Victim Compensation Board focused on firearm tracing records. Executive Director Lynda Gledhill said failed traces can carry financial and emotional consequences for victims and their families while also making restitution harder to obtain.
California continues to defend a gun-safety system that includes universal background checks, waiting periods, red flag laws and restrictions on ghost guns. State officials say weakening federal safeguards would move in the opposite direction just as California is recording measurable gains in public safety.
