Joe Biden faces backlash for vowing to ban assault weapons despite opposition from NRA

WASHINGTON, DC: As the 2024 presidential election approaches, President Joe Biden has intensified his language against the National Rifle Association (NRA), positioning himself as a firm supporter of gun control measures.

As Biden seeks re-election, the NRA has categorically portrayed him as the adversary of gun owners, accusing him of aiming to significantly limit gun rights through a series of proposed measures.

Biden's purported plans include the banning and confiscation of semi-automatic weapons, the enactment of Red Flag laws allowing for the seizure of guns, and the implementation of firearms licensing and registration requirements.

Biden's latest threats

Recent inflammatory remarks on social media have intensified these concerns, with Biden declaring, "I am determined to ban assault weapons. I did it once before and I'll do it again," on Monday, March 4, adding, "Whether the NRA likes it or not."

Political observers highlight that neither Biden nor his predecessor, Donald Trump, have had the chance to implement extensive gun legislation or bring about significant changes in gun policy.

Although Biden has initiated some measures in this direction, their effectiveness is yet to be determined, as reported by the Pennsylvania Capital-Star.

Trump's opposition to Biden's agenda

Trump, the Republican frontrunner in the 2024 presidential race, has positioned himself in direct opposition to Biden's stance on gun control.

At an event organized by the NRA last month, Trump vowed to rescind any restrictions enacted by the Biden administration, including rules curbing the sales of gun accessories such as pistol braces.

"Every single Biden attack on gun owners and manufacturers will be terminated my very first week back in office, perhaps my first day," Trump said in a speech at the 'Great American Outdoor show' in Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania.

The NRA, a staunch supporter of Trump during his presidency, has continued to rally behind him, applauding his appointments of conservative justices to the Supreme Court and his efforts to roll back gun regulations.

Trump's steadfast resistance to pressure for gun restrictions during his term has endeared him to conservative gun owners, who view him as a defender of their Second Amendment rights.

"During my four years nothing happened, and there was great pressure on me having to do with guns. We did nothing, we didn't yield," the former president said.

Despite the steady stream of mass shootings and the United States registering the highest rate of gun deaths among wealthy nations, Republicans, bolstered by support from the NRA and other gun rights groups, remain staunchly opposed to stricter gun laws.

They argue that such measures infringe upon the constitutional right to bear arms.

In response to Trump's rhetoric, the Democratic National Committee erected a billboard in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where Trump delivered his speech last month. "Donald Trump to victims of gun violence: 'Get over it,'" the billboard stated.

The Biden campaign also held a call with reporters ahead of the speech, featuring Maxwell Frost, a 27-year-old Florida congressman, who stressed the need for stronger gun laws to prevent senseless tragedies.

"We have Republican politicians like Donald Trump, who are all too willing to stand by and watch kids senselessly die because he's bought and paid for by the NRA," Frost reportedly said, as quoted by Reuters.

Biden's declaration sparks backlash on social media

Biden's latest declaration about banning assault weapons has sparked backlash on social media, with some accusing him of infringing upon constitutional rights.

"I’m buying another one today because of this post," one posted on X.

"'I am determined to take away your constitutional rights' - Joe Biden," a comment read.

"Great. Start with banning assault weapons for your Secret Service Joe Biden. Go!" another insisted.

"You’re in violation of the Constitution, what part of shall not be infringed don’t you understand?" someone else asked.

"You don’t have the votes for a draconian action like this - you’re just trying to rile up your base during a failing campaign," yet another offered.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.