The gun lobby NRA is one of the most powerful lobby groups in the USA. Former President Trump is using a day off from the trial to canvass for votes from an important voting group in Texas.
Former US President and current presidential candidate Donald Trump used the annual meeting of the powerful gun lobby NRA to make a campaign appearance and to canvass for votes from gun owners. He will stand up for their rights and freedoms, turn the country around and make America great again, Trump promised in front of a cheering crowd on Saturday (local time) in Dallas, Texas.
With him in the White House, those who tried to take away Americans' guns would run into a massive wall, Trump said. “Their dreams of taking away your God-given rights will die when the polls close on November 5th.”
Lobbyists with influence
The NRA is one of the most powerful lobby groups in the USA. The number of members is in the millions. The lobbyists have enormous influence on politics. The NRA pumps large sums of money into election campaigns and, for example, grades representatives based on their stance on gun issues – as if to give its members a guide as to who they should and should not vote for. Trump said, to cheers from those present, that it was a “true honor to be here today to receive the support of the proud American patriots of the NRA.”
Trump also used his appearance to launch sharp verbal attacks against his Democratic opponent, US President Joe Biden – and was cheered for this by the people in the hall. He said he was looking forward to the debates with Biden, and, in view of Biden's age (81), called for a drug test before the duel. Biden was traveling in the state of Georgia on Saturday to canvass for support, particularly among black voters.
Process and presidential election
Trump, 77, wants to return to the White House after the Republican presidential election. He is currently facing charges in a New York court in connection with hush money payments to a porn actress and has been spending many hours in the courtroom for days. If he weren't in the race, none of this would happen, Trump said.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott said at the meeting that Trump's re-election depends on the NRA's efforts. If its members organize and participate in the election, no organization in America can prevail against them. “With your help, we will re-elect Donald Trump as president, a freedom fighter who puts America first.”
Gun ownership and gun laws
The right to own a weapon is enshrined in the US Constitution. No one dares to touch this Second Amendment from the 18th century. It was made for a time when the USA consisted largely of undeveloped wilderness and its citizens lived far away from towns. Submachine guns and assault rifles did not yet exist. But the right of every citizen to own a weapon has remained. For many Americans, it is sacred.
Efforts to tighten gun laws have been unsuccessful for years – primarily because Republicans are against it. And because the gun lobby, especially the NRA, vehemently opposes any attempt to regulate gun ownership more strictly.
