By David Sherfinski - The Washington Times - Friday, May 20, 2016

LOUISVILLE — In a surprise move, the National Rifle Association on Friday is endorsing likely GOP nominee Donald Trump for president, The Washington Times has learned.

While Mr. Trump has at times strayed from conservative orthodoxy on hot-button issues like abortion and federal entitlements during his White House run, gun rights advocates have said he’s been solid on issues tied to the Second Amendment since announcing his run for president last June.

Mr. Trump also has not been shy about slamming likely Democratic president nominee Hillary Clinton on the issue, saying at a recent rally that Mrs. Clinton wants to “take your guns away” and “abolish the Second Amendment.”

Some high-profile Republicans, notably House Speaker Paul D. Ryan, have indicated in recent weeks that they’re not quite ready to embrace Mr. Trump as the GOP nominee.

But the NRA’s blessing is a another signal that many conservatives are steadily unifying behind Mr. Trump, and the resources and energy at the gun-rights group’s disposal will be a significant boost as he looks ahead to the general election contest.

Mr. Trump was one of a host of speakers slated to address gun-rights enthusiasts at the NRA-ILA’s “Leadership Forum” in Louisville Friday.

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