The National Rifle Association (NRA) endorsed Donald Trump for president in 2016 and played a significant role in helping him win the election that year. However, as Trump prepares for the 2024 election, the NRA’s future is uncertain due to scandals and financial misconduct that have damaged the group’s reputation and leadership. The NRA’s influence in Congress has waned, and some political observers believe the organization is no longer relevant in today’s political landscape.
Despite the NRA’s recent troubles, Trump has remained supportive of the organization and its agenda. He has promised to continue being a strong ally of the NRA and has used his time outside of his ongoing criminal trial to raise money for his campaign. Trump sees the annual NRA convention as a key opportunity to connect with gun enthusiasts and raise funds for his campaign, which relies heavily on small-dollar donations.
As he seeks a second term, Trump has touted his record on gun rights, boasting that he did not take any action on gun safety during his presidency. This stance has drawn criticism from gun safety advocates and gun control groups who believe Trump’s alliance with the NRA could alienate voters concerned about gun violence. The upcoming election is expected to focus heavily on gun control issues, with Trump’s position on guns being a central part of the campaign strategy.
Trump’s stance on gun control has evolved over the years, with him initially supporting an assault weapons ban before shifting to align with the NRA’s position on gun rights. While he did take some action on gun safety measures during his presidency, such as banning bump stocks, Trump’s overall record on guns has been criticized by some gun owners’ groups for not being proactive enough. The contrast between Trump’s position on guns and Biden’s strong support for gun safety measures is shaping up to be a key issue in the 2024 election.
Biden has taken a strong stance on gun control, advocating for new restrictions on firearms and implementing measures to reduce gun violence. He has supported bipartisan legislation to strengthen background checks and has also targeted the makers of “ghost guns” with new regulations. If reelected, Biden plans to continue pursuing a ban on the AR-15 rifle, which is linked to many mass shootings in the US. Trump, on the other hand, has vowed to undo any gun regulations put in place by the Biden administration and has positioned himself as a staunch defender of Second Amendment rights.
The divide between Trump’s and Biden’s positions on gun control is likely to be a key issue for voters in the 2024 election. Gun rights groups and gun safety advocates both see the upcoming election as crucial for shaping the future of firearms regulations in the US. Trump’s appearance at the NRA convention and his continued support for the organization signal his commitment to maintaining his pro-gun stance, while Biden’s efforts to enact gun safety measures reflect his dedication to addressing gun violence in the country.
