DNC targets Trump gun rhetoric with billboards near NRA conference in Texas

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) is launching mobile billboards Saturday in Dallas targeting former President Trump for his rhetoric on gun violence and reform.

The billboards, which accuse Trump of putting the gun lobby ahead of Texas families, were placed in the area outside of the venue where he is expected to give a speech before the National Rifle Association (NRA) convention.

They feature quotes the former president has made about recent gun violence and actions they argue show where his loyalty lies.

The DNC specifically pointed to remarks the former president made during a campaign stop in Iowa earlier this year after a school shooting left one dead and multiple injured. Trump shared his condolences for the victims and their families, but then urged his supporters to “move forward.”

“From telling gun violence survivors to ‘get over it’ to blocking commonsense reforms that would save lives, Donald Trump has bent the knee to the NRA and gun lobby at every turn” DNC spokesperson Cameron Niven said in a statement shared with The Hill.

“Under his presidency, the murder rate skyrocketed after Donald Trump chose to roll back reforms that made it easier for criminals to carry guns,” he continued. “If he returns to the White House, Trump will continue to put the NRA and gun lobby ahead of the safety of American families.”

In their statement, the DNC also touted President Biden’s dedication to gun safety initiatives.

“In stark contrast, President Biden and Vice President Harris have taken on the gun lobby by passing the strongest federal gun safety legislation in nearly thirty years,” Niven wrote. “While Trump sides with the NRA over our kids’ safety, voters will side with President Biden this November.” 

Saturday’s address marks the ninth time the presumptive GOP nominee has spoken before the gun rights group. In his last speech, the former president promised NRA members stronger protections for Second Amendment rights if he is reelected in November.

“I promise you this, with me at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, no one will lay a finger on your firearms — just as took place for four years when I was your president,” Trump said at an NRA event in Harrisburg, Pa, in February. “I will uphold those glorious words, ‘shall not be infringed.’”

Trump’s appearance also comes as NRA’s leadership has gone through a tumultuous period. The group’s head, Wayne LaPierre, stepped down in January before he and other officials were set to face a civil lawsuit.