Donald Trump Defends Second Amendment In Position Paper, Calls For National Concealed Carry

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump released his campaign position on Friday regarding Second Amendment rights, stating that the government should expand gun rights for law-abiding citizens. In his position paper, Trump advocated for bringing back and expanding programs that would get gang members and drug dealers off the street.

“Law enforcement is great, they do a tremendous job, but they can’t be everywhere all of the time. Our personal protection is ultimately up to us,” said Trump in his position paper. “That’s why I’m a gun owner, that’s why I have a concealed carry permit, and that’s why tens of millions of Americans have concealed carry permits as well. It’s just common sense. To make America great again, we’re going to go after criminals and put the law back on the side of the law-abiding.”

In the paper, Trump stated that gun and magazine bans are a total failure, and that law-abiding people should be allowed to own the firearm of their choice. The billionaire also made the case that law-abiding citizens should be able to obtain a concealed carry permit allowing them to carry in every state, and that military members should be able to carry their arms on military bases and at recruitment centers.

Trump also said the current mental health system is broken and needs to be fixed.

“... We need to expand treatment programs, because most people with mental health problems aren’t violent, they just need help. But for those who are violent, a danger to themselves or others, we need to get them off the street before they can terrorize our communities. This is just common sense. ... And why does this matter to law-abiding gun owners? Once again, because they get blamed by anti-gun politicians, gun control groups and the media for the acts of deranged madmen.”

Trump is the Republican front-runner in national polls, and is leading in Iowa and New Hampshire as well, the Washington Times reported.