06-25-25 David Codrea on ATF DEA proposed merger. Hint: BAD IDEA!

Summary In this episode of Armed American Radio, host Mark Walters discusses the implications of a proposed merger between the ATF and DEA, emphasizing the potential threats to gun rights and the Second Amendment. Joined by David Codrea, they explore the historical context, current political climate, and the importance of maintaining the ATF as a standalone agency. The conversation highlights concerns over increased militarization of federal agents, the conflation of gun ownership with drug crimes, and the need for representation from the gun owner community in discussions about gun laws. Takeaways The ATF should be abolished, not merged. Merging ATF with DEA could harm law-abiding gun owners. Gun ownership should not be conflated with drug crimes. The merger could lead to increased militarization of federal agents. Maintaining ATF as a standalone agency is crucial until unconstitutional laws are repealed. The current administration’s stance on gun rights may not last. Future administrations could misuse the merger for gun control. Gun Owners of America raises valid concerns about the merger. The ATF has a history of being unfriendly to gun owners. Representation from the gun owner community is essential in policy discussions. Keywords gun rights, ATF, DEA merger, Second Amendment, Armed American Radio, Mark Walters, David Codria, gun control, NRA, Gun Owners of America