At the National Rifle Association’s National Convention in Dallas last weekend, former President Donald Trump captivated an enthusiastic Texan crowd with a major announcement about his future plans. This revelation came after receiving an endorsement from the NRA, marking another significant moment in Trump’s longstanding relationship with the South and gun owners.
“I want to move to Texas, and I want to retire in Texas… a lot of people are moving to Texas,” Trump said, according to The Daily Mail. Trump’s affinity for the state is well-documented, having visited the state 18 times during his presidency and 13 times after his tenure in the White House.
It remains unclear whether Trump’s statement was a definitive commitment or a gesture of camaraderie to his Southern supporters. However, it aligns with his previous decision to relocate from New York to Florida during his presidency. Trump’s move to Mar-a-Lago in Florida was motivated not only by its appealing climate but also by its favorable tax benefits—a practical consideration he might be contemplating again with Texas.
At Saturday’s convention, Trump, alongside Governor Greg Abbott (R-TX), rallied thousands of attendees, urging them to vote for Trump in the upcoming 2024 presidential race to protect their Second Amendment rights. The convention hall was buzzing with energy as Trump and Abbott addressed a sea of NRA members, many wearing iconic red caps and clothing adorned with images of the former president.
“The NRA has stood with me from the very beginning, and with your vote, I will stand strong for your rights and liberties,” Trump said, according to The Texas Tribune. “I heard it a few weeks ago that if gun owners voted, we would swamp them at levels that nobody’s ever seen before. I think you’re a rebellious bunch, but let’s be rebellious and vote this time.”
During the event, the NRA officially endorsed the 2024 presidential frontrunner. In a strategic move, Trump’s campaign also launched the “Gun Owners for Trump” coalition, signaling a concerted effort to mobilize gun rights advocates for the 2024 election.
Trump also expressed his admiration for Governor Abbott, who gained national attention and was recognized as one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people after initiating the transportation of migrants from the Texas-Mexico border to major cities such as New York, Chicago, and Denver.
“We’re also grateful to be joined by a very special man. He’s a hot politician, very hot,” Trump remarked about Abbott. “You’re a hot politician, Greg. You know why he’s hot… because he’s doing a good job.”
Trump warned a supportive audience of the Second Amendment that Joe Biden would confiscate their firearms if he were re-elected. “They want to take away your rights. I know that better than anybody. They want to take away my rights better than anybody…worse than Alphonse Capone. Al Capone was indicted twice.”
Disclaimer: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.