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President Donald Trump said Tuesday that his administration is working on legislation that would expand gun-carry rights nationwide, signaling support for a major priority of Second Amendment advocates.
Speaking at a Mack Trucks event in Macungie, Pennsylvania, the president highlighted his record on gun rights and thanked the National Rifle Association for its longstanding support. During the speech, he recognized NRA President Bill Bachenberg and reiterated his commitment to protecting the Second Amendment.
Trump told the crowd that he had discussed national right-to-carry legislation with Bachenberg and, after receiving a favorable response from attendees, stated that his administration is actively working on the issue.
“They always give me their endorsement because I saved the Second Amendment, and you think it’s easy? It was not easy,” he said. “I think you’ve done a fantastic job. The NRA, everybody, they really have been — they’ve been with me right from it.”
The president did not provide specific details about whether the effort would involve supporting existing legislation in Congress or developing a new proposal.
Several gun-rights measures are already pending on Capitol Hill. Sen. Mike Lee has introduced the National Constitutional Carry Act, which would eliminate concealed-carry permit requirements for eligible Americans nationwide.
“The Founders established a national right to keep and bear arms, not to ask for permission from hostile local officials, or risk imprisonment for crossing the wrong state line,” said Lee. “Many states already protect the right to carry without a permit, and it’s time to reaffirm this right for all law-abiding Americans. The National Constitutional Carry Act will establish nationwide permitless carry to keep America safe and her people free.”
Meanwhile, Rep. Richard Hudson has sponsored the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, which would require states to recognize concealed-carry permits issued by other states.
Supporters argue that national carry protections would strengthen constitutional rights and create greater consistency across state lines. Opponents contend that such measures could weaken state authority over firearm regulations and public safety policies.
Trump’s comments suggest the issue could become a more prominent part of the administration’s legislative agenda as lawmakers continue debating gun rights and firearms policy.