Transition in the presidency
Transition of power
Transition of power
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A vice president of the National Rifle Association (N.R.A.) wrote a letter stating that Donald J. Trump has lost confidence in the organization. The letter emphasized the need for the N.R.A. to regain 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 has confidence in the organization. The official suggested in a recent letter to board members that the NRA should 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 had not done more to support him during the election. Bachenberg also mentioned that Trump was surprised to learn that the NRA was paying millions of dollars each year to a lawyer, William A. Brewer III, who has previously donated to Democratic candidates. This conversation took place during the group’s annual conference in May.
Mr. Bachenberg stated in a recent letter that President Trump and his close advisers no longer trust the N.R.A. This was also signed by Mark Vaughan, the N.R.A.’s second vice president. Mr. Bachenberg 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 the N.R.A.’s members and donors.
When asked for a comment, Karoline Leavitt, a spokeswoman for the Trump-Vance transition, 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 recent letter shows that the N.R.A.’s political power has decreased. It used to be a powerful lobbying group in Washington, but scandals and corruption accusations have weakened it. The organization is now split between supporters of its former leader Wayne LaPierre and another group, led by Mr. Bachenberg, that wants to move away from LaPierre’s controversial past.
Doug Hamlin, the newly appointed CEO of the National Rifle Association (N.R.A.), stated that due to the organization’s significant expenses in defending itself against a lawsuit from Letitia James, the Attorney General of New York, they will need to be more strategic in their approach for the upcoming 2024 election.
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