Common Myths About the NRA
Common Myths About the NRA
Because the NRA has trafficked in conspiracy theories and misinformation for decades, it can be difficult to separate fact and fiction. Below we debunk some of the most common myths about the NRA so you can get the truth for yourself.
Click on each myth to learn more facts and see citations as well as additional proof points.
Myth
“The NRA speaks for all gun owners.”
Fact
The NRA’s positions on gun safety do not represent the majority of gun owners who—in countless public opinion polls—support common sense gun safety measures, such as background checks on all gun sales and red flag laws. And even if you believe what the NRA says about its membership numbers, its membership represents less than 7% of gun owners.
Myth
“After a period of loose management, the NRA has gotten its house in order.”
Fact
After revelations of wild executive spending and mismanagement, the NRA has only doubled down on their embattled CEO, Wayne LaPierre. The NRA’s problems persist. The NRA has embarked on massive layoffs, spent millions in legal fees to defend the organization, and is bringing in less revenue from NRA members.
Myth
“The NRA is successfully beating back any regulatory challenges to its business practices.”
Fact
It’s hard to keep track of all of the NRA’s regulatory setbacks in recent years. The organization paid a $2.5 million fine to settle a case for selling insurance without a license and soliciting insurance products, including Carry Guard, a form of “murder insurance” found to violate New York law. Furthermore, the NRA failed to prevail in attempts to dismiss cases brought against it by attorneys general in New York and D.C., and those cases are now proceeding full speed ahead. And it lost in bankruptcy court, where a federal judge threw out the NRA’s Chapter 11 case.
Myth
“The investigations and scandal surrounding the NRA are just part of a liberal witch hunt.”
Fact
The NRA faces lawsuits from attorneys general in New York and D.C. that allege various violations of the state and federal charities laws governing non-profits like the NRA. However, the chief witnesses to the mismanagement in these investigations are NRA employees, board members, and even NRA executives that have come forward to report mismanagement and out-of-control executive spending at the NRA. Staunch conservatives and gun rights advocates are the ones blowing the whistle on the NRA’s conduct.
Myth
“The NRA is the most powerful force in American politics.”
Fact
The NRA is stuck in a cycle of scandals and lawsuits. It even attempted to file for bankruptcy in 2021 to evade legal troubles. While the NRA remains a massive organization with considerable influence, the gun safety movement has been growing as a real counterweight in American culture and politics.
Myth
“NRA leadership protects mainstream American values.”
Fact
For decades, the NRA has stoked extremist rhetoric, and spread radicalizing far right conspiracy theories about mass civilian disarmament and looming authoritarianism to everyday Americans in a craven attempt to stop the reforms that would help make our country safer.
Myth
“The NRA invests in gun safety and hunter education as a core part of its mission.”
Fact
Only a fraction of what the NRA spends each year is dedicated to safety, education and training or hunter services, and the organization has actually slashed spending on such programs in recent years.
Myth
“The NRA is the country’s oldest civil rights organization.”
Fact
Contrary to the NRA’s more recent claims, the NRA was originally founded in 1871 to help civilians learn rifle marksmanship, not advocate for “civil rights.” In fact, the organization’s annual reports from 1873 do not even mention gun rights or the Second Amendment. It wasn’t until six decades later that the organization began advocating for gun rights.