Washington — US President Donald Trump on Wednesday went his furthest yet towards endorsing restrictions on gun sales, bucking Republican Party orthodoxy as he challenged legislators to go big on legislation he said would help prevent more school shootings. Trump said he wanted to go beyond a narrowly focused bill to improve background checks for gun buyers, which is backed by many of his fellow Republicans, and instead develop a comprehensive plan — even if it includes measures opposed by the powerful National Rifle Association gun lobby, which backed his 2016 candidacy. "I will sign it," Trump said in a freewheeling, hour-long discussion at the White House with a group of legislators. Trump had been cautiously weighing changes to gun laws since a gunman killed 17 people at a high school in Parkland, Florida, on February 14, igniting a wave of national student activism in support of firearm restrictions. During Wednesday’s televised session, Trump, who has championed gun rights, em...

Subscribe now to unlock this article.

Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).

There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.

Cancel anytime.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.