President Trump’s State of the Union: Not a Word on the Second Amendment

During his first State of the Union address of his second term, Donald Trump covered immigration, crime, energy, foreign policy, drug trafficking, and the economy. However, he didn’t mention firearms. Not once. For many in the Second Amendment community, that silence was noticeable.

At 2 If By Sea Tactical, Southern Minnesota’s premier indoor range and firearms store, we pay close attention not only to what leaders say — but what they don’t say.

A Long Speech — But No 2A Discussion

The nearly two-hour address was reportedly the longest speech a President has delivered to Congress. It included, repeated attacks on Democratic lawmakers.  He gave shoutouts to crime victims and military members.  President Trump made comments on border security and Iran.  And discussed of prescription drug prices and gas costs

Yet the Second Amendment, firearms policy, and gun rights were entirely absent. For gun owners who rank constitutional rights near the top of their political priorities, that omission sends a signal: gun policy may not be high on the administration’s current agenda.

Mixed Signals from the Administration

Gun owners have had mixed reactions to the administration’s second term so far. We have had some positive wins from the reducing the NFA tax on suppressors. The administration has shown willingness to challenge certain restrictive state and local gun laws.

We have some legitimate concerns, however with this administration as well.  There have been some issues with the Department of Justice has defended certain federal firearm statutes in ongoing litigation.  Even some of Trump’s own people and himself’s public comments from top officials have raised eyebrows within the 2A community.

The Minnesota Incident & Backlash

Following the fatal shooting of Minnesota resident Alex Pretti during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis, several federal officials made statements criticizing Pretti for being armed — despite Minnesota law allowing lawful carry. President Trump stated:

He also commented negatively on Pretti carrying two fully loaded magazines, describing it as “a lot of bad stuff.” Other officials, including DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and FBI Director Kash Patel, suggested that carrying a firearm at a protest or possessing extra magazines indicated suspicious intent — even though such conduct is lawful in Minnesota under current law.

When then–U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli posted on social media that approaching law enforcement with a gun creates a high likelihood of being legally shot, major gun-rights organizations, rightfully so, pushed back strongly.

Groups like the National Rifle Association, Gun Owners of America, and the Second Amendment Foundation publicly criticized the framing, emphasizing that peaceable, lawful carry alone does not justify lethal force. Essayli later clarified his remarks, but the episode left some gun owners uneasy.  It are instances like these that make the Trump Administration an uneasy ally.

What the Silence Could Mean

The absence of gun policy from the State of the Union doesn’t automatically signal hostility. It could mean the administration sees no immediate federal legislative threat. Or that other priorities dominate the current political landscape. Maybe leadership believes the courts are the primary battleground for gun policy.

However, silence can also create uncertainty. When the Second Amendment is not mentioned at all — especially after recent controversy — it leaves room for questions.  Also, with rumors of staunch 2A Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito contemplating retirement, the time is now to push 2A cases and policies.  We need congress to act on many of these issues and direction from the President holds significant weight.

Why Vigilance Still Matters

We here at 2 If By Sea Tactical understand that the Second Amendment is not a niche issue. It is a Constitutional right, and like all Constitutional rights, should never be assumed secure.  We must constantly fight to maintain them. Every administration — Republican or Democrat — deserves scrutiny on 2A policy.

The Supreme Court’s Bruen decision reinforced that firearm regulations must align with the nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation. That standard is still being tested across the country in dozens of active cases. Executive Branch positions in those cases matter. Agency enforcement priorities matter. Public messaging matters.

Our Position

We will continue to support and push for policies that protect lawful carry. Respect due process. Reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens. As we will always defend Americans’ right to keep and bear arms.

We also believe elected officials should speak clearly and consistently about constitutional rights. The Second Amendment is not an afterthought. It is part of the Bill of Rights. More importantly, it is the part of the Bill of Rights that ensure all other rights remain.

At 2 If By Sea Tactical, we will continue watching Washington — regardless of who occupies the White House — and we will continue advocating for strong, unapologetic protection of the right to keep and bear arms. Stay informed. Stay engaged. And stay vigilant.

Here at 2 If By Sea Tactical we strive to bring you the best experience in the firearms world.  As we continue to grow the media arm of 2 If By Sea, make sure you keep tuning in to our Youtube and Rumble channels and right here at “The Patriot’s Almanac” to stay informed on the latest happenings in the firearm world! But we are not lawyers, so this isn't legal guidance. We are proud to be Southern Minnesota source for all things 2A.

Stay sharp, stay informed, and stay ready.