WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump is voicing optimism that some sort of firearms background check measure will be instituted following the recent mass shootings in Texas and Ohio.
Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday that “we have to have meaningful background checks.” He added that he lobbied Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who has previously opposed most gun control measures.
The powerful National Rifle Association gun lobby also has opposed the policy in the past. Trump did not say what he has done to bring the NRA aboard.
Trump has enjoyed broad support from the NRA. Polling suggests a vast majority of the public would support some sort of background check legislation.
The White House threatened to veto a House-passed background checks bill earlier this year.
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