By Trendsetter Tribune 
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s warning that gun owners could be jailed for bringing firearms into Washington, D.C., ignites strong criticism from Republicans and gun rights advocates, deepening tensions with the Trump administration.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro has triggered a wave of anger from Republicans and gun rights groups after warning that anyone bringing a firearm into Washington, D.C.—even if legally licensed elsewhere—should “count on going to jail.” Her comments, delivered Monday, immediately set off backlash among conservatives who say the message threatens law-abiding gun owners.
Pirro, the top federal prosecutor for the District of Columbia and a Trump appointee, emphasized that carrying a firearm into the capital violates local gun laws and will be treated seriously by federal authorities. Her remarks were quickly condemned by gun rights organizations, including the National Association of Gun Rights, which labeled the stance “unacceptable and intolerable.”
The White House responded by pointing to earlier comments from press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who reiterated that President Trump “absolutely” supports Second Amendment protections for law-abiding citizens. However, she added that gun rights do not extend to obstructing federal immigration enforcement efforts. Newsweek reached out to Pirro’s office for further comment.
Pirro’s remarks land at a tense moment between the Trump administration and gun rights advocates. The recent fatal shooting of intensive care nurse Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis has fueled friction. Pretti, who was licensed to carry a concealed weapon, never unholstered her firearm according to videos of the incident. Gun rights supporters have criticized the administration for suggesting Pretti shared blame simply for being armed. FBI Director Kash Patel also angered activists when he suggested people should avoid bringing firearms to protests.
The dispute deepens long-running disagreements over gun policy in Washington, where local law requires firearm registration and restricts certain semiautomatic rifles. The Trump administration has simultaneously argued that some of the district’s gun rules violate constitutional rights, and the Department of Justice sued D.C. in December over restrictions on semiautomatic firearms.
Gun advocates said Pirro’s warning underscores the need for “concealed carry reciprocity,” which would allow gun owners with permits—or those from permitless-carry states—to legally carry nationwide.
Several Republican lawmakers criticized Pirro directly. Florida Rep. Greg Steube wrote on X that he travels to Washington with a gun every week and has no intention of stopping, declaring “Come and take it!” Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie questioned the legal basis of Pirro’s comments, noting that nonresidents can obtain D.C. permits.
Some conservatives warned the comments could suppress turnout among pro-Second Amendment voters ahead of November’s midterm elections. Radio host Erick Erickson claimed GOP leaders were “doing everything [they] can to keep Second Amendment voters from showing up.”
Democrats also weighed in. Rep. Brendan Boyle of Pennsylvania mocked Republicans who once accused former President Obama of planning mass gun confiscation, saying, “Turns out it was the Trump White House.”
D.C. law requires all firearms to be registered with the Metropolitan Police Department and prohibits carrying rifles or shotguns in public. Pirro previously instructed federal prosecutors not to pursue felony charges for rifle or shotgun possession unless tied to violent offenses or prohibited individuals.
Her newest warning, however, suggests a far more aggressive stance—one that has opened a fresh rift with conservatives who typically count the Trump administration as an ally on gun rights.