Trump stunned lawmakers from both parties with his gun control remarks, but nobody thinks he'll follow through

Donald Trump talks guns
(Image credit: Alex Wong/Getty Images)

President Trump said a lot of jaw-dropping things Wednesday during a meeting with Republican and Democratic lawmakers on ways to curb gun violence: "I like taking the guns early" from people who pose a danger to others or themselves, and police should "take the guns first, go through due process second"; adding an assault rifle ban to an existing bill would make it "very strong, I'd rather have you come down on the strong side instead of the weak side"; "it doesn't make sense that I have to wait until I'm 21 to get a handgun but I can get this weapon at 18"; and Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) is "afraid of the NRA."

"Many people I talked to were still shocked and didn't know what to think hours after the meeting ended," Caitlin Owens reports at Axios. Still, "Senate Republicans immediately dismissed Trump's directive to put together a broader gun package, instead hoping — and assuming — that he'll change his mind and come around to their side of the issue." Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) said, "I know you heard the words, I just don't believe in my heart of hearts that's exactly what he meant" about due process. The NRA seethed.

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Peter Weber, The Week US

Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.