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A vice president of the NRA wrote a letter stating that Donald Trump no longer trusts the organization. The letter emphasizes the need for the NRA to regain the trust of Trump and his close advisors.
Authored by Danny Hakim
The National Rifle Association’s top official stated that President-elect Donald J. Trump no longer has confidence in the organization. The official emphasized in a recent letter to board members the importance of the NRA regrouping to support the Republican Party in maintaining their majority in Congress during the 2026 midterm elections.
Bill Bachenberg, who is the first vice president of the group and a strong supporter of Trump, mentioned to other board members that Trump was disappointed that the NRA did not do more to support him during this year’s election. Additionally, Bachenberg noted that Trump was surprised that the NRA was spending millions of dollars each year on a lawyer, William A. Brewer III, who has historically donated to Democratic candidates. This conversation took place at the group’s annual conference in May.
Last week, Mr. Bachenberg, along with Mark Vaughan, the second vice president of the N.R.A. board, wrote a letter stating that President Trump and his closest advisors no longer trust the N.R.A. They mentioned that they frequently communicate with them and emphasized the need to regain their trust, as well as the trust of the organization’s members and donors.
When asked for a response, Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for the Trump-Vance transition team, gave a general statement. She mentioned 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 when it comes to owning guns.
The recent letter shows that the N.R.A.’s political power has decreased. The organization used to have a lot of influence in lobbying in Washington, but has been struggling due to scandals and accusations of corruption. There are two factions within the group: one that supports the former CEO Wayne LaPierre, and another led by Mr. Bachenberg that wants to move away from LaPierre’s controversial reputation.
The new chief executive of the N.R.A., Doug Hamlin, stated that due to the organization’s significant spending to protect itself in a legal case brought by Letitia James, the Attorney General of New York, they needed to focus their efforts strategically in the upcoming 2024 election.
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