Republicans Celebrate Defeating David Chipman as ATF Nominee, ‘Crushing Loss for Joe Biden’

Former ATF Special Agent David Chipman delivers remarks during a press conference February
PAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP via Getty Images
Wendell Husebø

Republicans on Thursday celebrated defeating President Joe Biden’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) nominee David Chipman.

Donald Trump Jr. tweeted Breitbart News’ article in celebration, asserting Republicans will also “defeat all of Biden’s attempts to restrict our Second Amendment rights!”:

“David Chipman is an unhinged gun-grabber. His defeat is a win for the Constitution—and a crushing loss for Joe Biden,” Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AK) tweeted:

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) tweeted Biden never should have nominated Chipman. “Good News. He NEVER should have been nominated,” he said:

Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) reacted by taking credit for Chipman’s failure while suggesting Chipman was a “terrible nomination.”

“Glad to hear reports the White House is taking my advice and pulling the terrible nomination of David Chipman,” McConnell said. “Absurd that a vocal opponent of Americans’ constitutional rights was ever picked to run ATF. This is a win for the Second Amendment and law-abiding American citizens.”:

Sen. Mike Braun (R-IN) tweeted resending the nomination is a “victory” for “law-abiding citizens who made their voice heard.”

“David Chipman would have used ATF to chip away at our right to defend ourselves and our families,” Braun said. “I was proud to stand up against his nomination, and President Biden backing down on his nomination is a victory for our 2nd Amdnt and law-abiding citizens who made their voice heard.”:

“Good news for the Constitution and my fellow #2A supporters. The White House is withdrawing the nomination of David Chipman. It’s abundantly clear he is not fit to lead the men and women of the ATF,” Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-MI) said:

The National Rifle Association (NRA) tweeted that the win is “huge” for the protection of the Second Amendment.

“White House to withdraw nomination of David Chipman to head ATF in face of bipartisan pushback over his gun-control advocacy If verified, this would be a HUGE victory for NRA members and gun owners,” the NRA said:

Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) was happy with Chipman’s demise, encouraging his party to continue the fight against Biden’s radical agenda.

“Radical anti-gun nominee for the ATF David Chipman has been stopped. This is why we fight!” he tweeted:

NewsBusters Managing Editor Curtis Houck said Chipman was not just removed for what the Washington Post claimed was the reason for his nomination defeat. “And sorry, Washington Post, but it wasn’t just his ‘gun-control advocacy’ that people had issues with,” he tweeted:

Former National Republican Senatorial Committee staff member Matt Whitlock tweeted Chipman “was a terrible nominee and never should have been considered.”:

Rep. Ken Buck (R-CO) said the win was “huge” for the protection of the Second Amendment. “This is a huge win for every American who loves the Second Amendment,” he said:

Follow Wendell Husebø on Twitter @WendellHusebø 

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