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A vice president of the National Rifle Association (N.R.A.) stated in a recent letter 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.
Authored by Danny Hakim
An official from the National Rifle Association stated that President-elect Donald J. Trump no longer has confidence in the organization. The official suggested in a letter to board members that the NRA should regroup 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 his election campaign this year. Bachenberg also mentioned that Trump was surprised to learn that the NRA was paying millions of dollars annually to lawyer William A. Brewer III, who has historically donated more to Democrats. This conversation took place during 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 information was shared in a letter co-signed by Mark Vaughan, the second vice president of the N.R.A. Mr. Bachenberg mentioned that he frequently communicates with them and emphasized the need to regain their trust, as well as that of the members and donors of the organization.
When asked to 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 the right to protect themselves and their families, and he will stand up for those who own guns legally.
The recent letter shows that the N.R.A.’s political power has decreased. Previously a significant force in lobbying in Washington, the organization has been struggling due to scandals and accusations of corruption. There is now a divide within the group between supporters of former CEO Wayne LaPierre and another faction, led by Mr. Bachenberg, that seeks to distance itself from LaPierre’s controversial past.
The new CEO of the National Rifle Association, Doug Hamlin, mentioned in a statement that due to the organization spending a significant amount of money on a legal case brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James, they will need to focus their efforts in the upcoming 2024 election.
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