Former President Donald Trump, currently a top contender for the Republican nomination in the 2024 presidential race, reaffirmed his commitment to protecting gun rights during an event hosted by the National Rifle Association (NRA) on Friday.
Addressing a crowd of supporters at the Great American Outdoor show in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Trump pledged to overturn any gun-related restrictions implemented by President Joe Biden if he were to return to office.
Trump specifically highlighted his intention to revoke a rule that limits the sale of gun accessories called pistol braces, along with other regulations introduced by the Biden administration.
He assured the audience that he would take swift action to nullify every measure perceived as an infringement on gun owners’ rights, emphasizing his determination to do so from his first week back in office, or even his first day.
Throughout his tenure in the White House from 2017 to 2021, Trump enjoyed staunch support from the NRA, which lauded his appointments of conservative Supreme Court justices and his alignment with their advocacy for gun rights.
Trump touted his resistance to pressure to impose stricter gun control measures during his presidency, boasting that his administration took no significant action in that regard.
Despite persistent calls for tighter gun laws, particularly in the wake of mass shootings, Republicans aligned with the NRA remain steadfast in defending Second Amendment rights.
Trump urged his supporters to turn out in force during the upcoming elections, acknowledging the significance of battleground states like Pennsylvania for his electoral prospects.
Ahead of Trump’s speech, the Democratic National Committee erected a billboard in Harrisburg criticizing his response to a recent school shooting incident. Meanwhile, the Biden campaign seized the opportunity to underscore their stance on gun violence and advocate for stronger gun control measures.
Trump’s remarks come amidst his continued campaign efforts and recent victories in Republican nominating caucuses, positioning him for a potential rematch with President Biden in the general election. However, his speech was not without controversy, as he made several false or misleading statements, including claims about his electoral success in Pennsylvania.