Second Amendment supporters are threatening to pull their support from Republicans in the upcoming midterm elections. This comes after President Trump said that protester Alex Pretti “should not have been carrying a gun.” Pretti was legally carrying a licensed firearm when federal agents killed him last week.
According to Politico, pro-gun groups are angry that the president criticized Pretti. They say if the White House won’t defend a law-abiding citizen carrying a gun, the gun community has no reason to vote. The White House calls itself the “most pro-Second Amendment administration in history.”
Other top officials also criticized carrying firearms to protests. FBI Director Kash Patel said, “you cannot bring a firearm, loaded, with multiple magazines to any sort of protest that you want.” DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said she didn’t “know of any peaceful protester that shows up with a gun and ammunition rather than a sign.”
The GOP base is furious over mixed messages on gun rights
Dudley Brown, president of the National Association for Gun Rights, sent a harsh message to the administration. “I sent a message to high-place people in the administration with three letters, W.T.F.,” Brown said. He explained that the FBI director’s criticism was bad enough, “but when the president came out and doubled down that was a whole new level.” Brown said, “You can’t be a conservative and not be radically pro-gun.”
The situation is dangerous for Republicans trying to keep their small majorities in the House and Senate. Brown warned that Republicans don’t need voters switching to Democrats. They just need them to stay home on election day. The administration has faced controversies before, including Trump’s plans for Kennedy Center renovations that sparked concerns among artists.
“All you have to do is lose four, five, six percent of their base who left it blank, who didn’t write a check, who didn’t walk districts, you lose,” Brown said. “Especially marginal districts, and the House is not a good situation right now.”
One anonymous Second Amendment supporter revealed how serious the problem is. “I’ve spent 72 hours on the phone trying to unf— this thing. Trump has got to correct his statements now,” the person said. The supporter said gun advocates are “furious” and “will not come out and vote.”
This isn’t the first disagreement between the administration and gun supporters. President Trump angered activists in his first term when his administration banned bump stocks in 2018. The Supreme Court later blocked that rule in 2024. Past controversies, such as leaked Trump tax returns affecting contractors, have also created political headaches for the administration.
Administration officials are downplaying the concerns. A senior official said the recent comments won’t hurt the “unbelievable and strong relationship” with the Second Amendment community. They point to historic wins, including removing unconstitutional taxes on certain firearms and suppressors.
Another official defended Trump, saying he was focused on the specific situation with Pretti. “I think the president’s talking about in the moment, in that very specific moment, when it is such a powder keg going on,” the official said.
Published: Feb 3, 2026 01:45 am