As the walls close in around President Donald Trump, former allies are dropping like flies. Republicans who fell in line behind Trump during the election are now criticizing him for sharing classified information with Russia. Some Republicans joined Democrats in calling for a special prosecutor to head the investigation into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. Republicans who defended Trump just weeks ago are now trying to distance themselves from him. They see the writing on the wall. They’re running for cover.
But one ally can’t escape so easily: the National Rifle Association (NRA).
The NRA irreversibly tied themselves to Trump and his legacy from the beginning. Long before establishment Republicans abandoned their dignity and endorsed Trump, NRA CEO and Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre and NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris Cox appeared on stage to award Trump the earliest endorsement in NRA history.
They described Trump as “a man who offers a very different White House and a far more hopeful nation.”
Hopeful? No.
Different? Yes. Unprecedented, in fact.
The NRA’s tolerance for the reprehensible is high, so it was no surprise that they supported Trump through the ups and downs of his campaign. They remained loyal as the infamous Access Hollywood tape revealed his despicable and violent misogyny. They rallied behind him after he insinuated gun owners could assassinate his opponent. They spent $30 million to elect Trump ― more than double what they spent in the 2012 elections.
The NRA went all in. In January, their home page read “Trump’s Strongest Ally.” In February, LaPierre insisted the NRA “has President Trump’s back for the next eight years.” But the ground is shifting. The Trump presidency is crumbling. And the American people can’t allow the self-proclaimed “strongest ally” of the administration to slither away unscathed.
Everything President Trump has done ― and will do ― is brought to you by the NRA.
Obstruction of Justice: Brought to you by the NRA
Reckless Declassification: Brought to you by the NRA
Muslim Ban: Brought to you by the NRA
Trumpcare: Brought to you by the NRA
Russian Interference: Brought to you by the NRA
Treason: Brought to you by the NRA
The list goes on and on.
As Trump’s reputation continues to deteriorate, as the murmurs of impeachment grow louder, we must remember those who brought us here. We must hold them accountable.
The NRA was foolish enough to tie themselves to a historically inept individual, and whether or not they realize it, history is not going to look kindly on the Trump presidency. His administration is in freefall. They can’t save him. And they can’t save themselves.
Wayne LaPierre, Chris Cox, and the rest of the NRA leadership paid $30 million to be “Trump’s strongest ally.” And they should get exactly what they paid for: a spot beside the national disgrace that is Donald J. Trump.
