Summary: Former President Donald Trump's felony conviction for falsifying business records led to the suspension of his concealed carry license in New York.

-The NYPD had already suspended Trump's license in April 2023, and they are now preparing to revoke it.

-Meanwhile, Hunter Biden's ongoing trial in Delaware for purchasing a handgun while abusing crack cocaine highlights the legal consequences for felons possessing firearms.

Trump's Firearms: What's Next After New York Conviction?

Hunter Biden, the deeply troubled son of President Joe Biden, is currently on trial in Delaware in a federal case for his purchase of a handgun while abusing crack cocaine. That trial began just days after former President Donald Trump was convicted in New York on 34 state felony charges of falsifying business records to cover up a hush-money payment to an adult film star – and as a result of that outcome will now see Trump's gun license revoked. 

The former president's gun license to carry a concealed handgun in New York City – something that is extremely different to obtain – was "quietly suspended" in the spring of 2023 when he was indicted. A senior police official with the NYPD told CNN this week that the department was preparing to revoke Trump's license, which is a standard procedure for anyone found convicted of a felony.

"Trump has had a license from the NYPD to carry a concealed firearm for more than a decade, according to multiple law enforcement sources, but because Trump’s application came with a request for confidentiality, they are exempt from public records requests, according to the NYPD’s guidelines and New York state law," CNN explained.

The news outlet further reported that the NYPD had first suspended the concealed carry license back on April 1, 2023. Two of the three handguns owned by Trump had already been turned over to the police, while a third gun listed on the license was "lawfully moved" to Florida, where Trump is now a legal resident.

Donald Trump Keeps Backing NRA

Though Trump can still vote under New York State law, because he was convicted of 34 felonies, he may be in violation of state law in Florida and federal gun laws. In most cases, an individual convicted of a felony must turn over firearms while their appeals process plays out. Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon can result in additional criminal charges that carry maximum sentences of between 10 and 15 years in prison

The former president likely won't be an exception.

Of course, in Trump's case, he has been under Secret Service protection since 2015, when he became the front-runner for the Republican nomination for president in the run-up to the 2016 election.

Last month in Dallas, Texas, Trump delivered the keynote speech at the National Rifle Association's (NRA's) annual meeting, where he urged gun owners to get out and vote. The NRA formally endorsed the former president.

Should Trump be Required to Hand in His Handguns?

Regardless of how one feels about Trump's conviction, and whether it was politically motivated, one must remember that the law is what matters. Trump will likely appeal the verdict, but under no circumstances should he be allowed to keep any of his firearms – at least not at this point.

There are measures that other felons can take to obtain the right to own a gun again, but disagreeing with the verdict is not one of them.

Finally, as we see the Hunter Biden case play out, it would be hypocritical to suggest that Mr. Trump should be allowed to own firearms when it is pretty obvious Mr. Biden should head to prison for violating federal laws when he illegally purchased his gun. Simply put, neither man – at this point – is entitled to Second Amendment protections.

Author Experience and Expertise: Peter Suciu

Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer. He has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers, and websites with over 3,200 published pieces over a twenty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: [email protected].