Trump admires a Glock handgun — but stops short of buying — as he campaigns in South Carolina

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Former President Donald Trump embarked on a campaign tour in South Carolina, engaging in various activities that captured the attention of both supporters and critics. During his visit, Trump visited a gun shop and a boat manufacturing facility, making noteworthy statements and receiving endorsements from prominent figures in the state.

At the outset of his visit, Trump engaged in a meet-and-greet with campaign volunteers in Summerville. Subsequently, he explored a local gun store, where he expressed admiration for a Glock handgun and even contemplated purchasing one. However, his spokesman, Steven Cheung, later clarified that Trump had merely expressed interest in buying the firearm, and no purchase was made. This incident raised questions regarding federal gun purchase regulations, as Trump currently faces federal indictment, which prohibits the sale of guns to individuals under felony indictment. The matter is further complicated by a recent Supreme Court decision challenging firearm restrictions, currently under review by a federal appeals court.

Trump’s campaign activities continued as he rallied supporters at a boat manufacturing facility, emphasizing the importance of a strong turnout in South Carolina’s upcoming primary. Notably, he secured several endorsements from influential state figures, including the attorney general, secretary of state, and House majority leader.

Additionally, Trump voiced his opposition to a proposed Biden administration rule aimed at lowering boat speed limits along the East Coast to protect North Atlantic right whales. Critics argue that these rules could disrupt businesses such as charter fishing and port operations.

In contrast to his rivals, who have been actively engaging with voters through town halls and local visits, Trump has been primarily focused on addressing his legal challenges. Despite facing multiple indictments and numerous criminal charges across jurisdictions, his popularity within the GOP remains robust. In a display of his dominance, he chose to skip the second Republican primary debate in favor of visiting Michigan to express his opposition to President Joe Biden’s automotive policies amid an ongoing auto workers strike.

Throughout his campaign activities, Trump continued to decry the media and others on his Truth Social platform, accusing NBC News and MSNBC of “Country Threatening Treason” and labeling the free press as a “true threat” to democracy. He persistently uses the term “fake news” to dismiss unfavorable coverage.

In addition to his grievances against the media, Trump criticized General Mark Milley, the retiring chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, for phone calls made to China during the final months of his presidency. Despite Milley defending these calls as routine, Trump asserted they constituted “treasonous acts” and celebrated Milley’s impending retirement.

Trump also vented his frustration with congressional leaders, urging Republicans to embrace a government shutdown if necessary and calling for the removal of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. He made similar demands against Democratic senators in the wake of a bribery indictment against Senator Bob Menendez.

Lastly, Trump revisited his criticism of the F-35 Fighter Jet, which had recently crashed in South Carolina. He claimed to have repeatedly informed the U.S. Air Force and Lockheed Martin that the jet was “defective” due to its single engine configuration.

In a final note, Trump took a jab at his former U.N. Ambassador and GOP rival, Nikki Haley, referring to her as “Birdbrain.” This visit to South Carolina marked another significant moment in Trump’s post-presidential political activities, underscoring his enduring influence within the Republican Party.

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• Donald Trump’s South Carolina Visit
• Federal Gun Purchase Regulations
• North Atlantic Right Whales
• President Joe Biden’s Automotive Policies
• Truth Social Platform
• General Mark Milley’s Calls to China
• Government Shutdown
• Senator Mitch McConnell
• Senator Bob Menendez Bribery Indictment
• F-35 Fighter Jet
• Nikki Haley GOP Rivalry