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An official from the N.R.A. has stated that Donald J. Trump no longer has confidence in the organization. The vice president mentioned in a letter that the N.R.A. is in need of rebuilding trust with Trump and his close advisors.
Written by Danny Hakim
A high-ranking official at the National Rifle Association stated that President-elect Donald J. Trump no longer trusts the organization. The official wrote a letter to fellow board members, expressing the need for the N.R.A. to reorganize in order to support the Republican Party’s advantage in Congress during the 2026 midterm elections.
Bill Bachenberg, the first vice president of the group and a strong supporter of Trump, informed other board members that Trump was disappointed that the NRA did not do more to support his campaign during this year’s election. Bachenberg also mentioned that Trump was surprised to learn that the NRA was paying millions of dollars annually to a lawyer, William A. Brewer III, who has historically donated more to Democratic candidates. This discussion took place during the group’s annual conference in May.
Mr. Bachenberg wrote in a letter last week that President Trump and his closest advisors no longer trust the N.R.A. He mentioned that he frequently communicates with them and that there is a lot of effort needed to regain their trust, as well as the trust of members and donors.
When asked for a comment, Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for the Trump-Vance transition, provided a general response. She stated that President Trump supports the idea that all Americans have the inherent right to defend themselves and their families. He is committed to protecting gun owners who abide by the law.
The recent letter indicates that the N.R.A. has lost much of its political power. It used to be a major influence in lobbying in Washington, but scandals and corruption accusations have weakened it. The organization is now split between supporters of its former leader Wayne LaPierre and a group, including Mr. Bachenberg, who want to move away from LaPierre’s controversial past.
The N.R.A.’s new CEO, Doug Hamlin, mentioned in a statement that due to the financial resources used in defending against a civil case brought by Letitia James, New York’s attorney general, the organization will need to focus its efforts strategically in the upcoming 2024 election cycle.
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