US President Donald Trump accuses New York of trying to ‘take down’ National Rifle Association
- The state’s attorney general, Letitia James, has issued subpoenas as part of an investigation related to the NRA
- Trump has embraced the gun lobby, vowing not to tighten US firearms laws and advocating proposals such as arming teachers
US President Donald Trump accused New York state officials on Monday of trying to “take down” the National Rifle Association as the powerful gun rights group faces internal divisions and allegations of financial improprieties.
New York’s attorney general, Letitia James, has issued subpoenas as part of an investigation related to the NRA, but she declined to elaborate. The New York Times reported that the inquiry relates to the group’s tax-exempt status.
“The NRA is under siege by Cuomo and the New York State A.G., who are illegally using the State’s legal apparatus to take down and destroy this very important organisation, & others. It must get its act together quickly, stop the internal fighting, & get back to GREATNESS – FAST!” Trump said in a Twitter post, referring to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.
Representatives from the governor and attorney general’s office did not respond to requests for comment.
The gun group was roiled over the weekend when internal disputes spilled into the open at its annual meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana, when retired US Marine Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North said he would step down as NRA president. North said he was being forced out because of his allegations that NRA leaders were engaged in financial improprieties.
His departure came after NRA Chief Executive Wayne LaPierre accused North of trying to oust him by threatening to release “damaging” information about him, according to a letter from LaPierre to NRA board members The Wall Street Journal published on Friday.