Democratic California Sen. Dianne Feinstein hit back against President Donald Trump’s school safety plan Monday, calling him out for caving to the gun lobby and for backing away from his support for raising the federal minimum purchasing age for a firearm to 21.
“President Donald Trump has completely caved to the gun lobby,” Feinstein said in a statement Monday. “He backed off his openness toward an assault weapons ban, support for expanded background checks, barring those who exhibit ‘red flags’ from buying guns and raising the age to buy an assault weapons to 21.”
Trump announced he would not support raising the minimum federal age for purchasing an assault weapon to 21 and laid out his reasoning for that decision on Twitter Monday.
Very strong improvement and strengthening of background checks will be fully backed by White House. Legislation moving forward. Bump Stocks will soon be out. Highly trained expert teachers will be allowed to conceal carry, subject to State Law. Armed guards OK, deterrent!…….
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 12, 2018
….On 18 to 21 Age Limits, watching court cases and rulings before acting. States are making this decision. Things are moving rapidly on this, but not much political support (to put it mildly).
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 12, 2018
“Very strong improvement and strengthening of background checks will be fully backed by White House. Legislation moving forward. Bump Stocks will soon be out. Highly trained expert teachers will be allowed to conceal carry, subject to State Law. Armed guards OK, deterrent,” Trump tweeted Monday. “On 18 to 21 Age Limits, watching court cases and rulings before acting. States are making this decision. Things are moving rapidly on this, but not much political support (to put it mildly).”
The White House is pushing for federal funding for training and arming voluntary teachers to help protect students at schools. The administration is also looking to create a special commission on school safety. That commission may recommend raising the federal minimum age to 21.
Feinstein responded to Trump’s comments Monday morning by saying his words proved to be “hollow.”
“To no one’s surprise, the president’s words of support for stronger gun safety laws proved to be hollow,” Feinstein said. “Responding to the murders of 17 students and educators by endorsing the gun lobby’s platform is abdication of the president’s responsibility to lead.”
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