Gun owners' best friend? It's Trump

In February of 2024 former President Donald Trump called himself “the best friend gun owners have ever had in the White House,” and said that during his presidency he had “done nothing. We didn’t yield” (all quotes, U.S. News and World Report).

Perhaps Chambers of Commerce across America are noting reduced international tourism since 2006 since there have been over 570 (and counting-up) mass killings in the United States. Perhaps, for those living outside America and planning a trip, they are simply afraid to come for fear of being shot. Yet, Mr. Trump, in an April 2024 speech to the NRA, described his administration’s commonsense gun regulations, like giving teachers training in using guns to protect their students as being held hostage to “the ‘radical gun control agenda’ of the left.”

The following “radical gun control agenda” has been passed in Washington state through legislative approval. These measures, including restricting access to assault weapons, ensured victims of gun violence access to justice, a 10-day waiting period and mandatory safety training for purchase of all firearms, prohibiting open carry in public parks and hospitals, requiring reporting of stolen or lost firearms and restricting bulk weapons purchases, constitute many of the gun control measures enhancing public safety.

During his presidency, Mr. Trump seemed to support background checks before a gun purchase, yet in 2019 his White House vetoed sweeping gun legislation, including strengthening background checks, “because they would unduly impose burdensome delays on individuals to purchase a firearm.”

After the 2018 Parkland High School shooting in Florida, Trump supported a bill outlawing bump stocks, which passed into law. In June 2024, the conservative John Roberts Supreme Court overruled it.

Perhaps a gunshot wound to his ear might prove a reminder of the gravity of unchecked gun violence? Luckily he was not killed, but it was close.

Sincerely,

Christine Wardenburg-Skinner

Edison

Safe and Sane Skagit member