DALLAS, Texas (NewsNation) — Former President Donald Trump praised the National Rifle Association for standing with him “from the very beginning.” And the group returned the favor, formally endorsing his presidential bid.
“With your vote, I will stand strong for your rights and liberties,” Trump told the convention delegates Saturday. “We’ve got to get gun owners to vote,” he added while asserting that President Joe Biden “has a 40-year-record of trying to rip firearms out of the hands of law-abiding citizens.”
The Biden administration has taken several steps to try to combat gun violence, including a new rule that aims to close a loophole that has allowed tens of thousands of guns to be sold every year by unlicensed dealers who do not perform background checks.
Trump has pledged to continue to defend the Second Amendment, which he claims is “under siege.”
According to Pew Research, about one-third of Americans own guns. And there’s a clear political split about guns and safety. Seventy-eight percent of Democrats believe owning a gun decreases a person’s safety. Seventy-nine percent of Republicans say their safety is increased because they own a gun.
But 58% of all Americans surveyed say they favor stricter gun laws, while just 15% favor loosening gun laws.
Also Saturday, The Republican National Committee announced the launch of “Gun Owners for Trump,” a coalition of about 50 Olympic athletes, firearms industry officials and others.
Those attending the convention say the election is about much more than gun ownership.
“I think there are a lot of things they can do better. Our education … needs to be looked at,” said attendee Chris Hooley.
“The price of everything has gone up so much, and it’s put a burden on taxpaying Americans,” said Michael Lindsay. “And I think that’s a huge priority for the upcoming election.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.