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Jimmy Williams
Former President Donald Trump suggested a third term if he wins in November. Speaking at the National Rifle Association (NRA) annual meeting, he quipped, “You know, FDR 16 years — almost 16 years — he was four terms. I don’t know, are we going to be considered three-term? Or two-term?” The crowd responded with shouts of “Three.”
This isn’t the first time Trump has hinted at extending his presidency, an idea he floated during the 2020 campaign. His recent comments provide more material for the Biden campaign, which portrays Trump as a threat to democracy. However, Trump has shut down the notion of seeking a third term, which is unconstitutional. In an April interview with Time magazine, he stated, “I wouldn’t be in favor of it at all. I intend to serve four years and do a great job. Our country is going down. We’re a failing nation right now. We’re a nation in turmoil.”
In his Dallas speech, Trump addressed gun rights supporters, discussing the Second Amendment, immigration, foreign policy, the economy, and abortion. He also attacked Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as “radical left” and continued his critiques of Biden and CNN.
Trump’s visit to Dallas coincided with his criminal trial in New York, where closing arguments are expected soon. By next week, Trump could be a convicted felon or acquitted of charges related to a 2016 hush money scheme. He criticized his indictments and the gag order issued by Justice Juan Merchan.
Returning to the gun issue, Trump spoke to an NRA that endorsed him again on Saturday. The NRA’s support comes as both Trump and the organization face legal challenges, raising questions about the NRA’s financial capacity to support Trump’s 2024 bid. “The endorsement of the proud patriots of the NRA. These are great patriots. These are great people. We’re going to do things like nobody can believe,” Trump said.
Trump urged gun owners to vote in November, saying, “Let’s be rebellious and vote this time, OK?” His speech aimed to energize his supporters, a key group for fundraising. The NRA backed Trump in 2016 and spent over $30 million to help elect him. On Saturday, Trump criticized Biden’s gun policies and vowed to roll back gun safety measures.
“If the Biden regime gets four more years, they are coming for your guns,” Trump warned. He accused Biden of trying to disarm law-abiding citizens and pledged to protect gun rights.
The NRA, facing internal struggles and legal issues, claims it remains strong. Andrew Arulanandam, interim CEO of the NRA, said, “No matter what you’ve heard, we are strong. We are healthy. We are resolute, committed and united as ever.”
The Trump campaign and the Republican National Committee launched the “Gun Owners for Trump” coalition during the event. The coalition, led by Olympic athletes, firearms industry leaders, and public advocates, aims to counter Biden’s gun policies.
The Democratic National Committee responded with a mobile billboard in Dallas, attacking Trump’s speech. The billboard highlighted Trump’s controversial comments on gun violence. Biden campaign spokesperson Ammar Moussa said, “Donald Trump confirmed that he will do exactly what the NRA tells him to do — even if it means more death, more shootings, and more suffering.”
Moussa added, “President Biden has a 40-year record of taking on the NRA and winning, including passing the most significant gun safety legislation in nearly 30 years last year — and he’s proud to be the only candidate in this race who won’t sell Americans out to the gun lobby.”
