Trump backs gun rights in second policy paper

GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump released a policy outline on Friday detailing his defense of the Second Amendment and firearms ownership.

He also highlighted his possession of a concealed carry permit and firearms that he said were for personal defense.

{mosads}“The Second Amendment to our constitution is clear,” the Republican front-runner writes in the gun rights platform published online. “The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed upon — period.”

It’s the second policy statement provided by Trump, a political newcomer who has dominated the GOP race over the last month but come under increased scrutiny for his policy knowledge.

Trump appeared to confuse the Kurds with Quds, a special forces unit with Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, in a recent interview. During Wednesday night’s debate, he acknowledged he needed to learn more about foreign policy, indicating he would do so by the time he was elected.

The first policy platform he provided was on immigration last month.

The new statement outlines a three-pronged defense of the Second Amendment during his potential presidency, arguing that America needs greater law enforcement against violent crime, mental healthcare reform and better protections for legal gun ownership going forward.

Trump’s outline begins on the premise that President Obama has been soft on violent crime during his two terms in the Oval Office.

“We need to get serious about prosecuting violent criminals,” he said. “The Obama administration’s record on that is abysmal.”

“Violent crime in cities like Baltimore, Chicago and many others is out of control,” Trump said.  “Drug dealers and gang members are given a slap on the wrist and then released. This needs to stop.”

Self-reliance, the billionaire real estate magnate added, is a vital precaution should law enforcement have its resources stretched too thin.

“Our personal protection is ultimately up to us,” Trump said. “It’s just common sense. To make America great again, we’re going to go after criminals and put the law back on the side of the law-abiding.”

Trump then charged that the recent spate of mass shootings is the result of America’s failing mental healthcare infrastructure.

“Too many politicians have ignored this problem for far too long,” he said. “We can’t allow that to continue.”

“We need to expand treatment programs, because most people with mental health problems aren’t violent, they just need help,” Trump added. “But for those who are violent, a danger to themselves or others, we need to get them off the street before they can terrorize our communities.”

Trump additionally charged he opposes gun and ammunition restrictions and would allow military personnel to carry weapons on bases.

“Gun and magazine bans are a total failure,” the outspoken billionaire said. “That’s been proven every time it’s been tried.”

“To have a strong military, we need to allow them to defend themselves,” he added.

Friday’s policy reveal follows the reality TV star’s cancellation of a major campaign appearance in Greenville, S.C., on Friday morning. He’s also currently under fire for refusing to correct two supporters’ claims that Obama is a Muslim foreigner during an event in Rochester, N.H., the night before.