September 13, 2019

President Donald Trump talked about expanding background checks, then wavered. He was considering a “red flag” bill to let authorities take away guns from dangerous people, but has now “cooled” on the prospect, according to three people involved in the discussions.

The whole time, the gun rights lobby was there to nudge the president along. Advocates bombarded the White House with calls and petitions. Representatives scored meetings with senior officials. And the industry even has a former staffer working in the West Wing on legislation. Meanwhile, groups pushing for more restrictions on gun purchases haven’t been able to get in the door.

It’s an all-of-the-above strategy that is helping to shape the package of gun proposals that Trump is expected to release soon. In addition to possible changes to the background check system, Trump will likely include gun lobby-approved offerings meant to address violent video games and mental health treatment, according to several people familiar with the situation. The red flag bill — a so-called compromise proposal pushed by the president’s ally, Sen. Lindsey Graham, but opposed by the gun industry — may not make the cut.

Read more:

https://www.politico.com/story/2019/09/13/nra-gun-lobby-trump-1493739