Trump’s Bold NRA Address
Former President Donald Trump is set to address thousands of National Rifle Association (NRA) members in Texas on Saturday, following a campaign rally in Minnesota on Friday. This comes amidst the backdrop of his ongoing hush money trial.
Trump, who has often touted himself as “the best friend gun owners have ever had in the White House,” continues to pledge unwavering support for the Second Amendment. His speech to the NRA coincides with a period of unprecedented mass shooting incidents in the U.S., with last year witnessing 42 mass killings resulting in 217 deaths — one of the highest tolls on record.
At the Minnesota rally, Trump stressed the importance of gun owners participating in elections. He remarked, “People who legitimately own guns love them and use them responsibly, but they often don't vote as much as they should. They need to vote for us because the Democrats want to take their guns away, and they will.” He continued, “That’s why I’m speaking to the NRA tomorrow, to urge them to get out and vote.”
President Joe Biden has criticized Trump for his remarks following a school shooting in Iowa earlier this year. Trump initially described the shooting as “very terrible” but later suggested, “We have to get over it. We have to move forward,” which drew significant backlash.
Trump’s history with gun control is marked by a series of conflicting statements. After the tragic Parkland high school shooting in Florida, which left 17 dead and 17 injured, Trump vowed to be “very strong on background checks” and claimed he would challenge the NRA. However, he later softened his stance, citing a lack of political support.
On Saturday, Trump is expected to deliver the keynote address at the NRA forum in Dallas. Texas Governor Greg Abbott will also speak at the event. Meanwhile, gun safety advocacy groups that support Biden have organized demonstrations near the convention center.
Despite strong support for Trump in Texas, Democrats are hopeful for an upset in the upcoming elections, with U.S. Rep. Colin Allred leading a campaign to unseat Republican Senator Ted Cruz. Texas has not elected a Democrat to statewide office in 30 years, marking the longest such streak in the nation.
In addition to his political activities, Trump attended his son Barron’s high school graduation in Florida before heading to Minnesota.
