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NRA endorses Donald Trump for president

NRA endorses Donald Trump for president
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The National Rifle Association has endorsed Donald Trump for president, despite skepticism over Trump's stance on guns in the past.  

The endorsement came just before the presumptive Republican nominee for president addressed the annual NRA convention underway in Louisville, Ky.

Trump told the crowd, “The Second Amendment is at risk like never before,” and he praised the NRA, saying “The NRA has led the fight time and time again to protect our fundamental freedoms. This is an amazing group.”

Trump also said, “I’m going to put criminals behind bars and guarantee that law-abiding Americans have the right to self-defense, 100 percent.”

Trump was critical of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, stating he believes she will abolish the Second Amendment through the Supreme Court and release violent criminals if she is elected president.

Trump’s endorsement comes amid questions about his previous position on guns. In 2000, Trump said he supported the assault weapons ban as well as longer waiting periods to purchase a gun. In 2015 he had all but reversed all those opinions.

Trump supporters at the NRA's national convention said they believe Trump's evolving opinions are more than just rhetoric.
 
"I used to be some things that I’m not today," said Jewell Horner of Dyersberg, Tenn. "You've got to be able to change your mind and Donald Trump has and he’s on the right track."
 
Horner's husband, Jim, agrees.
 
"At least he’s coming around and we’re going to be watching him."
 
While accepting the NRA's endorsement, Trump told the crowd, "I won't let you down."
 
The NRA rates politicians based on how they vote on gun issues. Since Trump has never served as a lawmaker he has no NRA rating.