Former US President Donald Trump recently attended the National Rifle Association’s (NRA) 153rd Annual Meeting and Exhibitions held in Dallas, Texas.
Addressing a large, supportive crowd of Second Amendment advocates, he emphasized the importance of this amendment as a means of protecting Americans from the rise in criminal activity, drugs, and mentally ill individuals crossing the southern border.
He stated that these issues have resulted in the need for increased self-defense measures.
Trump criticized the current administration for threatening Second Amendment rights, describing it as a public safety issue.
He also mentioned an increase in violent crime across North America, while rates have dropped in countries like Venezuela.
He attributed this shift to South American governments emptying their prisons and mental institutions and sending their inmates and patients to the United States.
Trump even joked about the possibility of hosting NRA’s next annual meeting in Caracas, citing its potential safety compared to some areas of the United States.
To illustrate the impact of these issues on ordinary citizens, he called rancher Debbie Douglas from Edwards County, Texas, to speak at the event.
She detailed how her family has had to modify their home due to repeated attempts by alleged illegal immigrants to break in, and that her granddaughter can’t play outside unsupervised.
Douglas also revealed that no adult leaves their home without a firearm, even while driving.
Trump’s speech took place shortly after a campaign stop in Minnesota, as his trial in New York appears to be nearing its conclusion.
He is accused of attempting to defraud banks and paying hush money to an adult film actress with whom he allegedly had an affair.
Trump claims the indictments are politically motivated to prevent him from running for office again.
During his speech, he highlighted that this marks the eighth time he has addressed NRA membership at a national event, and expressed gratitude for their unwavering support.
Many attendees shared similar sentiments, expressing dissatisfaction with current US leadership and voicing their desire to see Trump return to office.
In her statement to The Epoch Times, Barbara Tomasino of Plano, Texas, who referred to herself as “The Trump Dress Lady,” emphasized the improvements in various aspects of life during Trump’s first term.
She cited a stronger economy, lower crime rates, and increased border security under his administration.
Tomasino expressed her hope that Trump would once again occupy the White House, voicing the sentiments of many in attendance at the NRA event.