President Trump surprised many when he broke with the NRA during a bipartisan meeting with lawmakers on Wednesday. POTUS largely appeared to side with Democrats on the need for gun reform.
"[The NRA] has great power. They have great power over you people. They have less power over me. I don't need it. What do I need? But I'll tell you, they are well-meaning...We have to do what is right," the president said.
Trump even voiced his desire to confiscate guns from those who are mentally ill, without due process first.
"Take the guns first. Go through due process second. I like taking the guns early," POTUS declared.
“He’s not a legal scholar,” North Carolina Republican Thom Tillis told The Weekly Standard. "I know you heard the words. I just don't believe in my heart of hearts that's exactly what he meant."
President Trump also appeared supportive of raising the minimum age to purchase an assault weapon [from 18 to 21], eliminating the sale of bump stocks, and restrictions on ownership for domestic abusers.
Some conservative legislators have taken digs at the president since the meeting, including Senator Ben Sasse, who released the following statement:
"Strong leaders don't automatically agree with the last thing that was said to them. We have the Second Amendment and due process of law for a reason. We're not ditching any Constitutional protections simply because the last person the President talked to today doesn't like them."
Thoughts?