Trump Accepts NRA Endorsement, Urges Gun Owners to Vote

Former President Donald Trump accepted an endorsement from the National Rifle Association (NRA) in Dallas on Saturday and spoke to thousands at its convention in Dallas.

The Details: While speaking, Trump described the Second Amendment as “under siege” by the Biden administration and pledged to attendees that he would “stand strong for your rights and liberties.” He also attacked Independent Presidential Candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for describing the NRA as a “terror group” in 2018.

For Context: The endorsement came as no surprise, as the NRA also endorsed Trump in the 2016 and 2020 elections. Trump has recently ramped up attacks on Kennedy whose campaign has been gaining momentum in recent weeks.

Key Quotes: Trump claimed gun owners do not usually vote but that it’s “important” they do so for him this November: “We would swamp them at levels that nobody’s ever seen before. So, I think you’re a rebellious bunch, but let’s be rebellious and vote this time.” He added, “You’ve got to get all your friends and all the gun owners… if they vote, there’s nobody that can beat us.”

How The Media Covered It: Outlets across the spectrum noted and added context to Trump’s criticism of Kennedy. The Washington Examiner (Lean Right bias) described Trump’s speech as “largely reminiscent of a traditional campaign rally.” NBC News Digital (Lean Left bias) said Trump spent much of his speech “focused on immigration, crime rates, and baseless conspiracy theories about the 2020 election being stolen.”