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A high-ranking official from the National Rifle Association (NRA) stated in a recent letter that President Donald J. Trump has lost confidence in the organization. The official emphasized the need for the NRA to regain trust with Trump and his closest advisors.
Written by Danny Hakim.
A high-ranking official at the National Rifle Association has stated that President-elect Donald J. Trump no longer has confidence in the organization. The official expressed in a recent letter to other board members that the N.R.A. must reorganize in order to support the Republican Party’s advantage in Congress for the midterm elections in 2026.
At a recent meeting, Bill Bachenberg, the group’s first vice president and a strong supporter of Trump, informed other board members that Trump was disappointed that the N.R.A. had not done more to support him during the election. Bachenberg also mentioned that Trump was surprised to learn that the N.R.A. was paying a lawyer, William A. Brewer III, millions of dollars each year despite his history of donating to Democratic candidates. This conversation took place during the group’s annual conference in May.
Mr. Bachenberg stated in a letter co-signed by Mark Vaughan that President Trump and his closest advisors no longer trust the N.R.A. They are in regular communication and acknowledge the need to regain trust from the president, as well as from N.R.A. members and donors.
When questioned for a response, Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for the Trump-Vance transition, replied with a general statement. She stated that President Trump supports the belief that all Americans have a natural right to defend themselves and their loved ones, and he will stand up for gun owners who abide by the law.
This letter showcases how the N.R.A.’s political power has declined. Despite once being a major lobbying force in Washington, it has faced numerous scandals and accusations of corruption which have weakened its influence. The organization is now split between those loyal to former CEO Wayne LaPierre and another faction, led by Mr. Bachenberg, who want to distance themselves from LaPierre’s controversial reputation.
The new chief executive of the National Rifle Association, Doug Hamlin, mentioned in a statement that due to the organization spending a lot of money to protect itself in a legal case brought by Letitia James, the Attorney General of New York, they needed to be more strategic in their approach for the 2024 election.
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