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An official from the National Rifle Association (N.R.A.) stated in a recent letter that President Trump no longer has confidence in the organization. The letter emphasized the need for the N.R.A. to regain the trust of 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 expressed in a letter to board members that the N.R.A. should regroup in order to support the Republican Party’s majority in Congress during the midterm elections in 2026.
Bill Bachenberg, the group’s initial vice president and a strong supporter of Trump, informed other board members that Trump was disappointed during the recent election because the NRA did not show enough support for his campaign. Bachenberg also mentioned that Trump was surprised to learn at the annual conference in May that the NRA was spending millions of dollars each year on a lawyer, William A. Brewer III, who has historically donated more to Democratic candidates.
In a recent letter, Mr. Bachenberg and N.R.A. board’s second vice president, Mark Vaughan, stated that President Trump and his closest advisors no longer trust the N.R.A. They mentioned that they are in regular communication with them and acknowledge the need to regain their trust, as well as that of their members and donors.
When asked for a comment, Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for the Trump-Vance transition, gave a general response. She stated that President Trump believes that all Americans have a natural right to defend themselves and their families, and he will support gun owners who follow the law.
The recent letter serves as proof that the N.R.A.’s political power has decreased. Previously a powerful lobbying group in Washington, it has faced challenges and controversies that have weakened its influence. The organization is now split between supporters of former CEO Wayne LaPierre and another faction, led by Mr. Bachenberg, who wants to distance themselves from LaPierre’s controversial actions.
Doug Hamlin, the newly appointed CEO of the N.R.A., mentioned in a statement that due to the organization’s significant spending on defending itself in a lawsuit from Letitia James, the Attorney General of New York, they would need to focus their efforts strategically in the upcoming 2024 election.
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