Former President Donald Trump sparked controversy at the National Rifle Association’s annual meeting on Saturday, floating the idea of a third term in office if he wins the upcoming presidential election.
While Trump has previously suggested extending his stay in the White House, his latest remarks have raised eyebrows, particularly given the constitutional limit of two terms. Despite his comments, Trump has recently shut down the idea of seeking a third term, telling Time magazine in April that he wouldn’t challenge the 22nd Amendment.
At the NRA meeting, Trump addressed thousands of gun rights supporters, speaking about guns and the Second Amendment, as well as immigration, foreign policy, the economy, and abortion.
Trump Hints at Third Term, Defying Constitutional Limit
He slammed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as “radical left” and continued his attacks on President Joe Biden and CNN regarding the debates. Trump’s trip to Dallas comes as his criminal trial in New York approaches its conclusion, with closing arguments expected as soon as Tuesday.
The NRA endorsed Trump again on Saturday, despite both the former president and the organization facing legal challenges. Trump urged gun owners to turn out in November to ensure his victory, saying, “Let’s be rebellious and vote this time, OK?”
He also vowed to roll back gun safety provisions passed by the Biden administration, which has taken steps to tackle gun violence, including expanding background checks for gun purchases.
The weight of the NRA’s backing and its relevance in this election cycle is increasingly uncertain, given the group’s scandals, internal power struggles, and lawsuits that have emptied its coffers.
Despite this, the Trump campaign and the Republican National Committee launched the “Gun Owners for Trump” coalition on Saturday, aimed at pushing back against Biden and the Democratic Party’s attempts to erode the Second Amendment.
The Democratic National Committee responded with a mobile billboard in Dallas, attacking Trump’s NRA speech and highlighting his past comments on mass shootings.
