President Donald Trump recently advised the National Rifle Association (NRA) to move to Texas.
Trump argued that the NRA would fare better there because of Texas’ more gun-friendly policies. In a Tweet, Trump said that “if the NRA is the victim of harassment by the A.G. of [New York], like what they are doing to our great NRA,” it will have no choice but to “move quickly to Texas, where they are loved.”
However, the NRA politely rejected Trump’s advice.
The gun organization, which donated $30 million to the Trump campaign in 2016, thanked Trump for his input. NRA managing director of public affairs Andrew Arulanandam told Newsweek that “The NRA appreciates the ongoing support from President Trump” and opined that “He’s a champion for our cause and the freedoms for which we stand.”
Although it has clashed with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, the NRA plans to stay in New York in the near future according to the NRA spokesman. Arulanandam cited the NRA’s “long and proud history in New York—for almost 150 years” as one of the main reasons behind their stay in New York. Even with calls for them to move, the gun organization prefers to stay put.
Nevertheless, Trump might actually be on to something with his advice for the NRA.
New York’s gun laws are some of the most draconian in the nation. Guns & Ammo magazine ranks it as the least friendly state for gun owners, putting it in 51st place.
And that’s not all.
The NRA is undergoing an investigation conducted by Letitia James, the New York State Attorney General, who believes that the organization has run afoul of certain financial regulations. Things haven’t been so great in NRA land either. Its spending practices have come into question and it controversially shut down its NRATV venture earlier this year.
A move to the Lone Star State really does not look like a far-fetched idea at this point. Texas is one of the most pro-gun and pro-business states in the country. It’s no secret that the NRA has left a lot to be desired when it comes to restoring gun rights in America. Often times they are too moderate on many gun control issues. However, New York’s increasingly irresponsible fiscal climate and draconian gun control laws should make the gun organization consider looking for greener pastures.
A change of location might be the necessary catalyst for the NRA to assume its role as an actual pro-gun lobby.
Sign in with Email