Transition of power from
Transition of power
Transition of power
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A vice president of the NRA has stated that Donald J. Trump no longer trusts the organization. The official emphasized the need for the NRA to regain the trust of Trump and his closest advisers.
Written by Danny Hakim
The head of the National Rifle Association stated that President-elect Donald J. Trump no longer has confidence in the organization. The official expressed in a letter to board members the need for the N.R.A. to reorganize in order to support the Republican Party’s advantage in Congress for the 2026 midterm elections.
During a board meeting, Bill Bachenberg, the first vice president of the group and a strong supporter of Trump, mentioned that Trump was disappointed that the N.R.A. had not done more to support him during the election. Bachenberg also noted that Trump was surprised to learn that the N.R.A. was paying millions of dollars annually to a lawyer, William A. Brewer III, who had previously donated to Democratic candidates. This conversation took place at the group’s annual conference in May.
Last week, Mr. Bachenberg stated that President Trump and his closest advisors no longer have confidence in the N.R.A. This was mentioned in a letter signed by both Mr. Bachenberg and Mark Vaughan, the second vice president of the N.R.A. Mr. Bachenberg also mentioned that he frequently communicates with President Trump and his team, and emphasized the need to regain their trust, as well as that of the organization’s members and donors.
When asked to comment, Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for the Trump-Vance transition team, gave a general response. She stated that President Trump supports the idea that all Americans have a natural right to defend themselves and their families, and he will support those who follow the law as gun owners.
The letter shows that the N.R.A. has lost some of its political power. It used to be a powerful lobbying group in Washington, but has faced scandals and accusations of corruption in recent years. The organization is now split between those who support its former CEO Wayne LaPierre and another group, led by Mr. Bachenberg, who want to distance themselves from LaPierre’s controversial actions.
In a statement, Doug Hamlin, the new CEO of the National Rifle Association (NRA), mentioned that due to the significant expenses incurred in defending against a civil lawsuit filed by Letitia James, the Attorney General of New York, the organization would need to focus its efforts strategically in the 2024 election.
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