Donald Trump said Friday he's weighing 'intelligent' background checks on gun purchasers and has the support of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to get it done so 'insane people' don't get their hands on firearms.
Support from McConnell would be crucial in getting any legislation passed. The president said he's also spoken to other conservative lawmakers who would be hesitant about supporting expanded background checks.
'I spoke to Mitch McConnell yesterday. He's totally on board. He said I've been waiting for your call. He is totally on board. I spoke to senators that in some cases, friends of mine, but pretty hard-lined senators,' he told reporters on the South Lawn Friday morning.
'They understand. We don't want insane people, mentally ill people, bad people, dangerous people, we don't want guns in the hands of the wrong people. I think that the Republicans are going to be great and lead the charge,' he added.
And he downplayed a reported warning from the NRA that such a move would cost him his base in an election year.
Support from McConnell would be crucial in getting any legislation passed. The president said he's also spoken to other conservative lawmakers who would be hesitant about supporting expanded background checks.
'I spoke to Mitch McConnell yesterday. He's totally on board. He said I've been waiting for your call. He is totally on board. I spoke to senators that in some cases, friends of mine, but pretty hard-lined senators,' he told reporters on the South Lawn Friday morning.
'They understand. We don't want insane people, mentally ill people, bad people, dangerous people, we don't want guns in the hands of the wrong people. I think that the Republicans are going to be great and lead the charge,' he added.
And he downplayed a reported warning from the NRA that such a move would cost him his base in an election year.
gun vote fails by is licensed under
Comments