President Trump said Monday that the National Rifle Association (NRA) is “under siege” by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) and New York Attorney General Letitia James (D), whose office recently launched a probe into the NRA.
Trump in a tweet accused Cuomo and James of “illegally using the State’s legal apparatus” to destroy the NRA.
{mosads}”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 organization, & others,” tweeted Trump, who on Friday spoke at the NRA’s annual convention in Indiana.
James’s office last week launched an investigation into the NRA’s tax-exempt status. James issued subpoenas to the NRA as well as to its affiliate entities and related businesses.
In a statement responding to Trump’s tweets, Cuomo cited statistics showing the rise in gun violence since the president’s election.
“The scourge of gun violence is a national crisis plaguing our country and killing our children. It demands action. And action, Mr. President, requires true leadership,” Cuomo said.
“The only thing illegal is the gun lobby’s insurance scheme,” he continued. “Unlike you, President Trump, New York is not afraid to stand up to the NRA. I will continue to fight for the children of this state. As for the NRA, we’ll remember them in our thoughts and prayers.”
Trump in Monday’s tweet also called on the NRA to “get its act together quickly, stop the internal fighting, & get back to GREATNESS — FAST!”
Trump’s comments come after NRA President Oliver North announced Saturday that he would not seek reelection as the group’s president following a power struggle with NRA CEO Wayne LaPierre, who had accused North of seeking to extort him.
“Please know I hoped to be with you today as NRA president endorsed for reelection. I’m now informed that that will not happen,” North said in a letter that was read at the NRA’s national convention.
-Brett Samuels contributed to this post which was updated at 1:37 p.m.