2024 Elections
Trump at NRA Convention Floats a Three-Term Presidency
DALLAS, May 18, 2024 — Former President Donald Trump, addressing a fervent crowd at the National Rifle Association (NRA) annual convention, hinted at the possibility of a third term in office, a notion that has sparked significant debate and controversy. The event, held at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, saw Trump reaffirm his commitment to gun rights while also making provocative remarks about extending his time in the White House beyond the constitutionally mandated two terms.
"You know, FDR had almost 16 years — four terms. I don't know, are we going to be considered three-term or two-term presidents?" Trump mused, eliciting a resounding "Three!" from the audience. This statement, while not new in Trump's rhetoric, has reignited discussions about the 22nd Amendment, which limits presidents to two terms.
Trump's suggestion of a third term, although likely rhetorical, has provided ammunition for his critics, including the Biden campaign, which has been portraying Trump as a threat to democratic institutions. Despite this, Trump has publicly dismissed the idea of challenging the 22nd Amendment. In an interview with Time magazine in April, he stated, "I wouldn't be in favor of it at all. I intend to serve four years and do a great job. I want to bring our country back. I want to put it back on the right track."
During his speech, Trump touched on various topics, including gun rights, immigration, foreign policy, the economy, and abortion. He criticized independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., labeling him a "radical leftist," and continued his attacks on President Joe Biden and CNN regarding the debates. Trump's visit to Dallas comes as his criminal trial in New York approaches its conclusion, with closing arguments expected soon. The former president could either be acquitted or convicted on charges related to a 2016 hush money scheme.
The NRA, which endorsed Trump in 2016 and spent over $30 million to help him win the presidency, once again threw its support behind him despite facing legal challenges and financial difficulties. The organization's endorsement was announced just before Trump took the stage to deliver the keynote speech. Trump used the platform to rally enthusiasm among his supporters, urging them to vote and promising a landslide victory.
Throughout his speech, Trump portrayed President Joe Biden as a threat to gun rights without providing specifics, warning of potential "death and destruction" if Biden were to be re-elected. He vowed to roll back Biden administration executive orders aimed at curtailing gun violence and criticized Biden's gun ownership restrictions. Trump assured the Dallas crowd, "We need the Second Amendment for safety because the bad guys aren't giving up their guns."
Trump's stance on gun control has shifted throughout his career. Prior to running for office, he supported an assault weapons ban but later backed away from that stance. After the Parkland shooting in 2018, Trump appeared to support gun safety measures, only to pivot again under NRA pressure. However, he did take one action favored by gun safety activists when his administration unilaterally banned bump stocks, devices that allow rifles to fire hundreds of rounds per minute. The Supreme Court is currently considering a case challenging the Trump-era regulation.
The NRA's struggles and Trump's unwavering support for gun rights are expected to play a significant role in the 2024 campaign. Gun safety activists and gun rights groups agree that the stakes are high. Biden has championed new restrictions on firearms, including the most comprehensive gun safety legislation in three decades — a bill to strengthen background checks. He has also created the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention and issued a range of executive measures aimed at reducing gun violence.
If re-elected, Biden has pledged to continue pursuing a long-sought ban on the AR-15. Trump, on the other hand, has vowed to undo any steps taken by Biden to regulate guns as soon as he returns to the White House. The NRA's backing and relevance in the country's politics this election cycle are uncertain due to internal scandals, power struggles, and lawsuits that have drained its resources. Despite these challenges, the NRA remains a significant force in American politics, and its endorsement of Trump underscores the high stakes of the upcoming election.
As the 2024 presidential race heats up, Trump's remarks at the NRA convention have once again highlighted the deep divisions in American politics, particularly on the issue of gun rights. Whether his suggestion of a third term was a serious proposal or merely a rhetorical flourish, it has undoubtedly added another layer of complexity to an already contentious election season.