Trump calls for 'intelligent background checks' in response to mass shootings

President TrumpDonald TrumpDC goes to the dogs — Major and Champ, that is Biden on refugee cap: 'We couldn't do two things at once' Taylor Greene defends 'America First' effort, pushes back on critics MORE on Friday called for "intelligent background checks" on gun purchases in response to a string of mass shootings across the country, expressing confidence that Congress would come together on action. 

 

“Frankly, we need intelligent background checks,” Trump told reporters as he left the White House for a fundraiser in the Hamptons.

 

"This isn't a question of NRA, Republican or Democrat," he added.

 

Trump said he’s spoken with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnellAddison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellGOP acknowledges struggle to bring down Biden Pew poll: 50 percent approve of Democrats in Congress Pelosi on power in DC: 'You have to seize it' MORE (R-Ky.), who he said was “totally on board.”

 

The president also said he had a "great talk" with both Speaker Nancy PelosiNancy PelosiDemocrats debate timing and wisdom of reparations vote Biden angers Democrats by keeping Trump-era refugee cap Democratic Rep. Mondaire Jones calls on Breyer to retire MORE (D-Calif.) and Senate Minority Leader Charles SchumerChuck SchumerPew poll: 50 percent approve of Democrats in Congress Former state Rep. Vernon Jones launches challenge to Kemp in Georgia Schumer lays groundwork for future filibuster reform MORE (D-N.Y.) about gun laws.

 

"I think with a lot of success that we have, I think I have a greater influence now over the Senate and over the House," he said. "I think we can get something really good done. I think we can have some meaningful background checks."

 

McConnell has not publicly backed any gun bills following mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton, though he did note a background checks bill backed by Sens. Pat ToomeyPatrick (Pat) Joseph ToomeySasse rebuked by Nebraska Republican Party over impeachment vote Philly GOP commissioner on censures: 'I would suggest they censure Republican elected officials who are lying' Toomey censured by several Pennsylvania county GOP committees over impeachment vote MORE (R-Pa.) and Joe ManchinJoe ManchinGOP acknowledges struggle to bring down Biden On The Money: Moderates' 0B infrastructure bill is a tough sell with Democrats | Justice Dept. sues Trump ally Roger Stone for unpaid taxes Moderates' 0B infrastructure bill is a tough sell with Democrats MORE (D-W.Va.) was once again getting attention.

 

That bill failed to get enough votes to move through the Senate after the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings.

 

Trump previously voiced support for stronger background checks and an increase in the age requirement to purchase certain types of weapons following the 2018 shooting at a Parkland, Fla., high school. But he backed off amid opposition from the National Rifle Association (NRA).

The president said Friday that he believes there's stronger support for the issue now than following the Parkland massacre.

 

“I see a better feeling right now toward getting something meaningful done," Trump said. 

"And we did do things after Parkland," he added. "But it wasn’t to the same level that I’m talking about now."

In the wake of weekend shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, that left more than 30 dead, Trump has expressed support for background checks and "red flag" laws that would allow law enforcement to obtain court orders to confiscate weapons from dangerous individuals.

But the NRA has opposed proposals for stricter background checks and “red flag” laws, which would seek to keep guns away from people flagged as possibly dangerous.

Trump downplayed any opposition from gun rights lobby on Friday.

“I have a great relationship with the NRA,” he said. "They supported me very early and that's been a great decision they made."