Trump Rules to Make It Easier for Gun Makers to Sell Semi-Automatics, Flamethrowers Overseas
FIRE AWAY
New Trump administration rules will make it easier for U.S. gun makers to export some of their products, including semi-automatic weapons, flamethrowers, and some types of grenades, NBC News reports. The new rules, which are set to come into effect within a month, mean gun makers will no longer need licenses from the State Department to sell dozens of types of deadly weapons to overseas markets, including the AR-15-style semi-automatic rifle that’s been used in some of America’s worst mass shootings. Sellers will only need a no-fee license from the Commerce Department, which has a less-strict licensing process and a smaller global footprint. The move is expected to make it more difficult to track where the weapons are going after they’re sold and sent abroad. The State Department sent out the final version of the rules Monday, and they’ll take effect 30 days later unless Congress attempts to block them.