President Trump said he wants to make sure the National Rifle Association’s “strong views” are represented in the debate over whether to pass increased background checks.
“Serious discussions are taking place between House and Senate leadership on meaningful Background Checks,” the president said Friday on Twitter. “I have also been speaking to the NRA, and others, so that their very strong views can be fully represented and respected. Guns should not be placed in the hands of mentally ill or deranged people. I am the biggest Second Amendment person there is, but we all must work together for the good and safety of our Country. Common sense things can be done that are good for everyone!”
….mentally ill or deranged people. I am the biggest Second Amendment person there is, but we all must work together for the good and safety of our Country. Common sense things can be done that are good for everyone!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 9, 2019
In the aftermath of mass shootings in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio, Trump revealed he was open to potentially supporting expanded background checks as a piece of compromise legislation.
….this legislation with desperately needed immigration reform. We must have something good, if not GREAT, come out of these two tragic events!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 5, 2019
Trump has reportedly talked with leaders of the NRA including chief executive Wayne LaPierre over the last couple of days in which the NRA head warned the president gun control measures like background checks could hurt his support.
The group sent out a series of tweets on Thursday reaffirming they did not support legislation for more background checks.
“It is not enough anymore to simply say that ‘we need more background checks.’ Considering both suspects in El Paso and Dayton passed them, that is rhetoric for billionaire activists and campaign rallies – not a call for constructive progress. The vast majority of gun sales, including internet and gun show sales, are already subject to background checks. In fact, none of the current background-check proposals would have prevented these tragedies.”
(16/18) The vast majority of gun sales, including internet and gun show sales, are already subject to background checks. In fact, none of the current background-check proposals would have prevented these tragedies.
— NRA (@NRA) August 8, 2019
House Democrats urged Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to reconvene the Senate to pass two bills related to gun background checks that passed the House in February.
