In the aftermath of the recent series of mass shootings, the top 2024 Republican presidential hopefuls, including Donald Trump, Mike Pence, Ron DeSantis, and Nikki Haley, gathered at the National Rifle Association Convention in Indiana, boldly reiterating their commitment to protect the rights of gun owners. Meanwhile, public outrage over gun violence continues to grow. The question arises: why is the NRA so powerful?

Founded in 1871, the National Rifle Association (NRA) is one of America's most influential and high-profile organizations, with an estimated 5 million members. Its endorsements, which often range from A+ to F, are believed to be a pivotal factor in election campaigns, especially those of Republican candidates. Its current CEO, Wayne LaPierre, is a controversial figure, who recently stated that "gun-hating politicians should never go to bed unafraid of what this association and all of our millions of members can do to their political careers".

Despite its vast power, the NRA has also been criticized for exploiting the country's weak gun laws, and its opposition to gun reform bills. The debate continues as to whether the NRA serves the interests of its members or if it's a tool of the gun industry.