Trump took the stage at the NRA convention in Indianapolis at the Lucas Oil Stadium.
Bit of a wait before POTUS took the stage after VP. Three full songs. Chris Cox, executive director of NRA-ILA introduced the president instead. POTUS took the stage at 12:15 ET to “God Bless the USA.” Walked around the stage, applauding, as the song played out. The crowd was on its feet, phones raised, throughout.
Some quotes from the president’s remarks below, but please check with the transcript.
“I’m a champion for the Second Amendment and so are you. … It’s under assault, but not when we’re here. Not even close.”
“I want to thank all of you, the proud card-carrying members of the NRA. We are fighting for values that have built and sustained our nation. And our nation is greater today than it has ever been. Stronger, richer … We’re great Americans. You’re doing a great job.”
At his comments on teaching children about respecting “our great American flag,” one attendee made a heart with her hands and raised it up.
“We don’t worship government. We worship God.”
“They tried for a coup, didn’t work out so well. And I didn’t need a gun for that, did I?”
Praised the economy – brought up the GDP again and how it “smashed expectations.” Then pointed out the media: “All of those people back there, we call them the fake news, they wouldn’t have believed it.”
More to come…